Date: 2018-04-16

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Osun State governor, has hinted that the last week's Offa robbery incident has challenged the state to tighten internal security measures in the state.

Aregbesola who spoke in Offa, Kwara State, when he led members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Oloyede, the Olofa of Offa, in his palace.

While describing the robbery attack as barbaric, unfortunate and uncalled for, Aregbesola said the incident has once again challenged the state government to re-tighten internal security.

"The incident has once again challenged us on the need to tighten internal security and I am very sure that the perpetrators would not go unpunished," he said.

He said that incident was the worst in the history of the ancient town and called on security agencies at various levels to beam their searchlight into the incident and launch thorough investigation to unravel the perpetrators.

The governor said no effort must be spared to unravel the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"What happened last week was very unfortunate, barbaric, saddening and uncalled for. It was like what happened about 32 years ago in this town.

"I deemed it fit to be here in my capacity not only as a governor but as a brother, friend and in-law to the people of Offa and Kwara State in general. "It is on record that our people in Osun have had robust relationship and affection with the people of Offa, prompting us to be here in large number. "I came here with members of my cabinet to sympathise with the good people of Offa and Kwara State, particularly the family of those that lost their lives to the unfortunate incident. "As Muslims, we believe that the incident was God's will and those that lost their lives have been destined to experience such as we pray God to grant the souls of the departed the best place in Paradise and give their family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss," Aregbesola added. The governor called on the people of the town to remain calm and go on their normal businesses as efforts were in top gear to forestall future occurrence.

He said the matter had been taken up by the appropriate security agencies, affirming that the perpetrators would soon be exposed and brought to justice in due course.

Aregbesola also visited the attacked Police Divisional Headquarters, where he consoled with the officers and men of Nigeria Police Force on duty on the loss of their colleagues to the incident.

In his remarks, Oba Gbadamosi attributed the incident to God's will.

Olofa noted that the family of the victims and the entire people of the town had taken consolidation in God, noting the ancient town was vastly religious.

The traditional ruler said, "What happened to us last week is considered as God's will; that is why my subjects have been going on their normal businesses.

"We are consoled by the fact that this incident will mark the beginning of success and blessing to us as we have been hearing good news from government at various levels to support the town in strengthening the security.

"Investigation is ongoing and we are rest assured that the bandits would be brought to justice in no distance time."