The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly condemned what it describes as the state government’s prolonged silence and inaction following a devastating explosion that recently struck Offa, a major town and headquarters of Offa Local Government Area. In a statement released from Ilorin, the PDP expressed profound concern over the perceived failure of the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration to offer any official explanation, reassurance, or visible presence since the incident occurred. This criticism comes amidst growing anxiety among residents.
The party, through its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, articulated deep sympathy for the people of Offa, specifically mentioning Mufutau Gbadamosi and Esuwoye I, alongside numerous affected communities, businesses, and individual residents who bore the brunt of the explosion’s impact. The PDP highlighted the distress experienced by citizens who were forced to flee for safety, contrasting this with what it termed the conspicuous absence of the state governor and his administration, both physically and in communication.
According to the opposition party, a significant leadership vacuum emerged in the immediate aftermath of the blast. As of the time of their public statement, there had been no official briefing from the government on the incident’s nature or cause, no security update provided to the public, and notably, no senior government official had visited the scene to engage with affected communities. This lack of engagement, the PDP contended, contributed significantly to a climate of fear and uncertainty.
The PDP asserted that this perceived void in leadership had regrettably fueled widespread panic, encouraged the proliferation of rumours, and intensified anxiety across innocent citizens throughout Kwara State. The party argued that in a state governed by responsible leadership, the governor would have promptly travelled to the affected area to conduct a first-hand assessment of the damage and to deliver a clear, concise briefing to the public on the unfolding situation.
This absence of official communication, the PDP lamented, left the state’s citizens largely abandoned to social media speculation and unofficial narratives, underscoring a critical failure in the government’s most fundamental duty: providing decisive leadership during a crisis. The party found it unacceptable that Governor AbdulRazaq had not addressed the populace directly, nor had any state or local government official visited Offa to show solidarity with the victims and assess their needs.
The opposition further criticised what it termed the failure of security agencies to properly brief the public on the explosion’s details and ongoing investigations, amplifying the sense of abandonment. The PDP characterised the state’s response as “irresponsible, insensitive, and reckless governance,” particularly egregious during a festive period when citizens anticipate peace and safety, not fear and pervasive uncertainty stemming from official silence.
Highlighting the critical need for immediate action, the Peoples Democratic Party called upon Governor AbdulRazaq to urgently return to Kwara State from Abuja, where he was reportedly present. The party stressed the imperative for the Governor to personally visit Offa, assess the extent of the damage, and provide tangible support to the affected residents who are grappling with the aftermath of the explosion.
Furthermore, the PDP demanded that Governor AbdulRazaq offer a comprehensive briefing to the people of Kwara State regarding the true circumstances surrounding the Offa incident. The party also urged the governor to convene a joint security clarification session involving all relevant agencies to decisively address the growing panic and quell the rampant speculation that has gripped the community since the explosion.
The opposition concluded by reiterating that during such a challenging and difficult moment, the residents of Offa are entitled to transparent truth, robust protection, and visible leadership from their government. They emphatically stated that the community should not be subjected to prolonged silence or what they described as absentee governance, which only exacerbates the trauma and uncertainty faced by those directly impacted by the blast.
The incident in Offa, while details of its cause and specific impact remain officially unconfirmed by the state, has clearly become a significant point of contention regarding governmental responsiveness and accountability. The PDP’s strong rebuke underscores broader public expectations for swift and empathetic leadership during emergencies, especially in a region where community trust in official institutions is paramount.
This political outcry serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between governance and public perception during times of crisis. The opposition’s consistent pressure aims to compel the state administration to demonstrate proactive engagement and deliver clear, authoritative communication, thereby restoring confidence and alleviating distress among the populace. The unfolding situation continues to draw close scrutiny.
Observers suggest that a timely and comprehensive response from the Kwara State government could mitigate further political fallout and address the legitimate concerns raised by the PDP and the affected communities. The demand for transparency and direct engagement remains central to resolving the current impasse and ensuring the well-being and peace of mind for all residents impacted by the Offa explosion.
