The tragic event of last week has shaken the state to its very foundations. Never have we witnessed this sort of terror-like robbery at a go. Yes, we have had all sorts of armed robbery, but none has been conducted in such a dastardly manner with chilling body counts at the end of it all. Surely at a time like this, the temptation is appealing for all manner of blame party. No mistakes about it, the blames must go round. But this isn’t about recriminations. At times like this, heroes must step out and step up. Government must be government to console, empathize and replenish. Unfortunately lives lost cannot be replaced, however, efforts can be made to bring to justice those who perpetrated the savagery on one hand; and compensation for families and friends of victims on the other. But for the larger casualties which includes all of us- all of us in Kwara, is to ensure the Offa incident does not happen again.To do this, government must re-order its assistance to the Nigeria Police. Assistance does not necessarily mean handing out cash or vehicles to police teams. Those are critical, but it should also include sitting down with all stakeholders to plot how best to prevent a repeat or form a quick response strategy. It is appalling to learn that the bandits spent a reasonable length of time before successfully robbing the banks, leaving in its wake sorrow, tears and blood. Take for example, the fact that as we write, there are no Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) in the state, except the one promised by the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, which is being expected today. This is at a time the country is facing terrorism of all kinds. As crime changes, the society needs to change. A state as large as Kwara deserves not one, but at least three tanks to assist the police.
To be sure, the police command in the state should have at least two helicopters. There are parts of the state that takes up to ten hours to access. How on earth will police respond speedily if there are no helicopters, or armoured tanks stationed close by? It is important also to look at other dimensions to fighting off the evil that took place in Offa; for example, during the immediate past administration in the state, there were close circuit cameras installed in strategic locations (at least in the state capital). it is time to move it on and around. If they no longer function, this is the best time to fix and upgrade them. This state requires a central control system to monitor in real time what goes on the state’s major roads, markets, commercial areas and cities.
Also, because of the casualty figure for police officers, the state should help to offer insurance for police men on special duty for the security of the state. We recommend a resuscitation of the Joint Task Force (JTF) for patrol, and a special security cordon for the city of Offa as a result of a somewhat regular security breach in that part of the state. Security experts should be called in to come up with reasons why Offa seems like a soft spot for criminality. Whatever is the outcome will determine measures that will be used to end similar attacks in the ancient city in the nearest future. We cannot afford to experience this kind of carnage again.
We call on the state’s residents to rally round the government and security agencies at this difficult time. The N5 million offered by the state government to aid whistle blowing efforts is commendable. Everyone must put sentiments-political or economic aside to ensure that Kwara wins in the end. Whatever may be the interests of people, without security, not much can be achieved. We offer our condolences to the people of Offa, the traditional ruler and in particular, those grieving at this time. Security is the job for everyone, only if we come together. We must help the team sent by the Inspector General of Police by providing leads that will assist in ensuring that those who killed our loved ones do not partake in the sharing of the cash they carted away. Going forward, apart from assisting the police, vigilantes in communities such as the one in Offa must equally be taken serious by the government. Their activities should be better coordinated and allied with the police. They can equally be paid some stipends officially. Once more, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the grieving.
