Fayose says Offa robbery reinforces the need for the right to self-defence across Nigeria

EKITI State governor Ayo Fayose has called for the legal right to self defence to enable Nigerians defend themselves against armed attackers in response to the recent bloody robberies in Offa that left about 30 people dead.

On Thursday, a group of armed robbers struck in Offa, in Kwara State, first of all attacking the police station and murdering the officers on duty, before robbing five banks in the town. While sympathising with Offa residents over the dastardly attacks, Governor Fayose said the call for self defence by some Nigerians is not misplaced, considering the fact that the hoodlums spent over one hour attacking the people and later escaped without any response from the security agencies.

Governor Fayose said: "I sympathize with victims of the Offa, Kwara State robbery that led to the death of over 30 people. It is sad that such a terror attack could go on for more than one hour and the robbers were able to escape. It is another clear vindication of the call for self defence.”

Seven suspects are now in police custody in connection with the robbery according to the Kwara State police commissioner Lawan Ado. He said the suspects are helping them in their investigations, while seven vehicles have been recovered from the armed robbers.

Mr Ado added: “Seven suspects were arrested, one at Igosun road and six others at different locations in Offa. The inspector-general of police has ordered a full investigation and has directed his Intelligence Response Team and others to assist in getting the robbers arrested."

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has offered N5m for any information on the robbery, asking anyone with details to pass it on to the state police command on 0803 739 1280 or 0803 702 4320. He assured such informants of anonymity, confidentiality and safety, adding that no harm will befall them on account of assisting the security agencies to arrest the attackers.

According to the Kwara State governor, the police and other security agencies in the country have begun a vigorous manhunt for the perpetrators of the dastardly and wicked attack on Offa community. He also commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.