Yemisi Izuora
The Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the Offa robbery 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, Alhaji Saadu Alawaye, at the Government House to protest against alleged the politicisation of the Offa robbery attack.
The Governor urged the Police not to politicise the incident, saying the robbery incidence, which claimed 33 lives, was too serious to be politicised.
According to 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.”
The governor called on Nigerians to add their voices to critical national issues in order to ensure equity and justice.
Ahmed, who assured the artisans 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, Alawaye said the team was at the Government House to show solidarity with the Governor and the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, over the alleged politicisation of the Offa robbery attack.
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.