It’s been three agonizing weeks since seven travelers were abducted in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State while journeying from Abuja to Kwara. These innocent individuals have since remained in captivity, held deep within the forest by armed non-state actors.
Despite the payment of ransom in hopes of securing their release, the kidnappers have declared the amount insufficient, continuing to hold their victims hostage.
Just days after this harrowing incident, two senior civil servants were similarly abducted near Eleyin, Isanlu-Isin, along the Omu-Aran Expressway. Their release was swift—within 24 hours—thanks to what appeared to be collaborative efforts between their families and the government.
Unfortunately, the earlier victims—our own people—are still languishing in the forest. Reports indicate that their health is rapidly deteriorating, with many becoming weak and unwell.
This tragedy raises urgent and uncomfortable questions:
1. What concrete steps has the Chairman of Offa Local Government taken to facilitate their release?
2. Are these victims not part of the electorate who entrusted our National and State Assembly representatives with their votes? What financial or moral support have these elected officials provided so far?
3. Where is the voice of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU)? As the umbrella body of all Offa indigenes, ODU must rise to the occasion and lead efforts to bring our people home.
4. To our Governor, who proudly identifies as “Ore Mekunu” (Friend of the Masses): can your friends continue to suffer in captivity while you remain silent?
This is a test of our humanity, unity, and compassion. Let us not wait for political incentives before we act. The tragic Offa robbery of April 5, 2018—widely known as Black Thursday—mobilized politicians because it served political interest. Today, seven of our own suffer in silence, yet the response has been tepid.
Let us, as a community, rally together. Every naira counts. Whatever we can raise—no matter how small—must be mobilized now to help secure their release.
The time to act is now. Let us be our brothers’ keepers.
Signed,
Amb. Lukman Ola
Offa, Kwara State
9th May, 2025
