— Laments Kidnapping of Seven Residents, Alleged Neglect by State Government

By Nnasom David

The Indigenous People of Offa in Kwara State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what they described as rising insecurity and marginalisation of their community under the current administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

In an open letter made available to Vanguard and signed by Alhaji Adisa Abdulkareem on behalf of the Ogala Compound of Offa, the community lamented the abduction of seven of its members on April 20, 2025, while traveling from Abuja to Offa via the Obo-Ajegunle–Osi road.

The letter accused the Kwara State Government of inaction and neglect since the abduction, stating: “Since that day, they have neither returned nor has any governmental concern been shown. Not a press release, not a condolence, not a visit—nothing.”

According to the community, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦140 million in ransom, which was later negotiated down to ₦14 million with additional items through community efforts. Despite the efforts, the victims were not released, as the abductors later reverted to their original demand.

The letter further highlighted what the community viewed as preferential treatment by the state government. It referenced a similar kidnapping incident just seven days after the abduction of Offa residents, involving two government officials from Oke-Ero Local Government Area. The officials were swiftly rescued within 72 hours, contrasting sharply with the inaction seen in Offa’s case.

The letter also accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration of systemic marginalisation of Southern Kwara, particularly Offa. It lamented the absence of significant developmental projects in the region, despite its historical support for the administration during the #Otoge movement.

The letter read: “Since the inception of this administration in Kwara State, no single significant project has been executed in Southern Kwara. While Kwara Central boasts of monumental developments such as two overhead bridges, a state-of-the-art innovation hub, garment factory, and expansive road reconstruction projects, Southern Kwara has little or nothing to point at.”

Expressing frustration over what it termed discriminatory treatment, the community appealed to President Tinubu for justice, fairness, and inclusion.

“We beg Your Excellency, as the father of the nation and the bearer of renewed hope, to help us ask Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq one question: Why does our pain mean nothing?”

The group further called for federal intervention to ensure security and equitable development in Offa, emphasizing their right to feel like citizens of Kwara, not strangers in their own land.

Despite President Tinubu signing the 2025 budget into law with a record N54.99 trillion appropriation, communities like Offa continue to raise questions about local implementation and inclusiveness.