The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the state government for what it said was a lack of official response to the explosion that happened in Offa, the Offa Local Government Area headquarters, leaving locals worried and looking for clarification.
The party’s stance comes after Chronicle NG reported earlier on Friday that explosions shook the Offa village on Christmas night, causing property damage and forcing security personnel to seal off damaged areas as investigations got underway.
In a statement released in Ilorin and signed by PDP State Publicity Secretary Olusegun Adewara, Arise TV reported on Saturday that the opposition party said the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration had not addressed the people or provided assurances since the tragedy.
The PDP sympathized with the people of Offa, especially the Olofa of Offa, Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye I, as well as residents, business owners, and communities affected by the explosion.
“It is unfortunate that while residents ran for their lives in fear and confusion, the state governor and his government were conspicuously missing in action, both physically and in communication,” the statement read.
As of the time the statement was made public, the party said that there had been no formal explanation, no security briefing, no apparent government presence at the location, and no assurances to the people of Offa and other regions of the state.
“This dangerous vacuum of leadership has fueled panic, rumors, and widespread anxiety among innocent citizens,” the PDP said.
According to the party, a responsible administration would have visited the impacted area as soon as possible, conducted an immediate evaluation, and given the people precise information.
“Sadly, in Kwara today, citizens are abandoned to social media speculation because their government has failed in its most basic duty of providing leadership in times of crisis,” the statement added.
The governor’s failure to address the populace, the lack of a state or local government representative visiting Offa to speak with victims, and the inadequate public briefing by security services were all deemed unacceptable by the PDP.
It described the state of affairs as “irresponsible, insensitive, and reckless governance,” especially during a time of celebration when people need to feel safe and at ease.
The governor was urged by the party to “urgently return from Abuja, visit Offa to assess the situation, and support affected residents.”
“The governor must brief the people of Kwara on the true situation in Offa and convene a joint security clarification to put an end to the growing panic,” the statement said.
It emphasized that rather than remaining silent during such a crucial time, the people of Offa deserved leadership, protection, and the truth.
