Offa Robbery: Stop using our pain as political tool, election strategy – Youths Group  Mariam Abeeb

Mariam Abeeb

The Offa Youth Progressive Development Association , has called on government and political actors to stop using the popular robbery as an excuse or narrative for elections.

The President of the Youths, Musharaph Babatunde Abdulrauf in a press statement noted that the issue should not taken as a campaign strategy or a propaganda material.

It could be recalled that on April 5, 2018 the robbery incident marked the third time the town witnessed a devastating and brutal robbery—each with a similar mode of operation, each leaving behind the loss of security personnel and innocent citizens.

According to him, the events of April 2018 remain one of the darkest moments in the community, adding that lives were lost, families were shattered, and the town was thrown into grief and fear.

“Let us be clear: The pain of Offa is not a campaign strategy.It is not propaganda material.It must never be used as a weapon for political gain.

“As youths and stakeholders, we call on the government and all political actors to immediately stop using the Offa robbery as an excuse or narrative for elections,” he stated

He lamented that as concerned citizens and stakeholders of Offa—deeply troubled by the continued politicization of one of the most painful chapters in the history, since the Offa robbery there has been no visible commitment to their recovery.

He said that the people are still living with trauma, still rebuilding their lives—largely on their own.

He noted that this raises serious concerns about priorities if the government truly cares about Offa, then the focus must shift from political storytelling to real action.

The Youths President called on the government to immediately engage with victims and their families, provide adequate support and compensation and put an end to the politicization of the tragedy in any form Offa deserves healing—not exploitation.

“We are not here to create conflict. We are here to demand responsibility. We are here to demand accountability. And we are here to demand respect for the lives that were lost.

“This is not just history. This is a recurring tragedy. This is our pain. It is therefore deeply disturbing that such a tragedy continues to be used as a political tool—especially during election periods.

“But beyond words, we must ask the most important question: What has been done for the victims? Many of the victims and their families—some of whom are here with us today—have received little or no meaningful support. No adequate financial assistance. No sustained emotional care,” he stated.