The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has condemned what it described as the continued silence and inaction of the state government following the explosion that rocked Offa, headquarters of Offa Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Ilorin and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP expressed deep concern that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration had failed to provide any official explanation or reassurance since the incident.
The party said it sympathised with the people of Offa, particularly Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye I, as well as affected communities, businesses and residents in areas where the impact of the explosion was felt.
“It is unfortunate that while residents ran for their lives in fear and confusion, the state governor and his government were conspicuously missing in action, both physically and in communication,” the PDP said.
According to the opposition party, as of the time of issuing the statement, there had been no official explanation, no security briefing, no government presence at the scene, and no word of reassurance to the traumatised people of Offa and other residents of Kwara State.
“This dangerous vacuum of leadership has fuelled panic, rumours and widespread anxiety among innocent citizens,” the party stated.
The PDP argued that under responsible leadership, the governor would have immediately visited the affected area, conducted a first-hand assessment and clearly briefed the public on what transpired.
“Sadly, in Kwara today, citizens are abandoned to social media speculation because their government has failed in its most basic duty of providing leadership in times of crisis,” the statement added.
The party described it as unacceptable that the governor had not addressed the people, no state or local government official had visited Offa to identify with victims, and security agencies had failed to properly brief the public.
It characterised the situation as “irresponsible, insensitive and reckless governance,” especially during a festive period when citizens should enjoy peace and safety rather than fear and uncertainty.
The PDP called on Governor AbdulRazaq to urgently return from Abuja, visit Offa to assess the situation and support affected residents, and provide a clear briefing on the incident.
“The Governor must brief the people of Kwara on the true situation in Offa and convene a joint security clarification to put an end to the growing panic,” the party said.
It stressed that at such a difficult moment, the people of Offa deserved truth, protection and leadership, not silence and absentee governance.
Hammed Shittu
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