Former Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Local Government Service Commission, Hajia Sarat Ibrahim Adebayo, has condemned what she called the politicisation of the Offa robbery incident, describing it as insensitive and unjustifiable by the Kwara state Governor Abdulrasaq
Adebayo while speaking as a public figure and a mother who understands the pain of losing loved ones recounted that the memories of the Offa robbery remain fresh for affected families, and reopening the matter for political gain “amounts to reopening deep wounds.”
“Bringing back such a painful episode for political advantage is not only ill-advised but also inhumane. The souls of those who lost their lives deserve dignity, not exploitation,” she stated.
*Hits APC Over ‘Desperation’*
Hajia Sarat accused the ruling APC of “internal disarray” within the party and the Otoge movement, which she said has led to desperation among its leaders.
She argued that recent post-convention rallies by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ilorin and Offa may have unsettled the ruling party. “The growing acceptance of the PDP across Kwara is evident, and while this may provoke political anxiety, it does not justify exploiting the pain of Offa victims for propaganda,” she said.
*Urges Focus on Worsening Insecurity*
The former commission chairman urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to focus on governance, noting that “power is transient” and his legacy will be judged by his actions in office.
She cited worsening insecurity in the state, referencing a reported attack in Worro, Kaiama, where nearly 200 people were said to have been killed, with over 176 women and children allegedly still in captivity.
“These are urgent issues requiring immediate government intervention. The focus should be on saving lives and restoring security, not revisiting matters already settled by competent courts,” Hajia Sarat said.
She maintained that the Offa robbery case had been concluded through due legal process, describing any attempt to revive it for politics as “dirty politics.”
“Kwara people deserve responsive and responsible leadership rather than a recycling of past tragedies for political survival and pure propaganda,” she added.
The Offa bank robbery of April 5, 2018, claimed 33 lives, including police officers and civilians. Several suspects were tried and sentenced by Kwara State High Court in 2024.
