Offa robbery: too serious to be politicised-Gov Ahmed

By Steve Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has called on the Nigerian Police Force to carry out a thorough investigation into the Offa robbery case and ensure all criminals involved in the dastardly act are brought to justice.

The governor made the call in Ilorin when he received members of the state’s Artisan Congress led by its President, Alh. Saadu Alawaye at the Government House to protest against alleged politicisation of Offa robbery attack.

The Governor urged the Police not to politicise the incident, saying that the robbery incident which claimed 33 lives was too serious to be politicised.

According to Gov Ahmed who reiterated his firm belief in the nation’s judicial system and ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure justice and equity, “since the criminals have made confessional statements about their armourer, they should be treated accordingly”.

“We’re worried that the dimension the issue is taking, and especially the media trial by the police even before conclusion of investigation, may give other suspects at large a leeway to escape. This is why it’s necessary for the police to arrest all those involved in the incident and prosecute them accordingly”, Ahmed said.

The governor called on Nigerians to add their voices to critical national issues in order to ensure equity and justice.

Gov Ahmed, who assured the artisan congress that the government would not relent in supporting the informal sector, insisted that whoever benefitted from the government’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises support scheme and still engaged in criminal acts must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Speaking earlier, the State President of Artisan Congress, Alh. Saadu Alawaye said the team was at the Government House to show solidarity with the Governor and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki over the alleged politicisation of Offa robbery attack.

Alh. Alawaye who led members carrying placards with various inscriptions such as: “Say No To Intimidation; don’t Politicise Offa Banks Killings; we love Maigida; Megida is Our Good Governor, Nigeria Sai Saraki”, among others, commended Governor Ahmed for his empowerment programme and support to the informal sector.

He assured the governor that the artisans would continue to support his government in delivering dividends of democracy to the citizenry.