Just as we are settling into a new year after a troubled 2020, the people of Ibarapa, in Oyo State woke up to the sad news of the death of the chief executive officer of Sabawah Oil Filling Station, Sherifat Adisa amongst many others.
The circumstances that led to these killings especially Adisa sends shivers down one’s spine as one begins to wonder how human lives have ceased to hold little to no value.
In a manner reminiscent of brutal killings by gunmen, the death of Adisa, alongside two nine-year-old cousins and another woman who was hit by a stray bullet, has brought tears to the eyes of many in Ibarapa, Oyo State and Nigeria at large, including popular Nollywood actress cum politician, Funke Adesiyan.
Adesiyan who is also a political aide to the First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, has lamented the gruesome death of Adisa as her corpse was found on Sunday, days after she was kidnapped at her place of work in Igboora.
Adesiyan said she was pained that another woman who rose through sheer hard work to become a beacon of hope for her people has been killed in such gruesome manner.
According to her, in a society that attempts to muscle the rights of women, a woman rose to the top through a dint of hard work and perseverance but her life was cut short suddenly by cowards who thrive in causing societal unrest.
“I have always been an advocate for women and this sad development further confirms my fear that women need to be protected.
“This is one death that left me in a bad state for days. The hard working woman who was a leader in her community and has rendered selfless services to the people has been killed. What happens to all her dreams and those she caters for? Why have we become a wicked people that no longer value human lives. This killing is barbaric and unfortunate. ”
“I commiserate with the family of Mrs Sherifat Adisa over the unfortunate demise of their daughter and IPMAN on the big loss of one of their own. I pray that God give you all the fortitude to bear the huge loss,” Adesiyan stated.
The politician further called on the state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, to step up the fight against kidnapping and killings in the state with recent reports suggesting a humongous rise in crime cases.
“This is a passionate appeal to the governor to step up the fight against kidnapping and killings in Oyo state.
“As an indigene of our beloved and peaceful Oyo state, the growing reports of crimes are really disturbing. I hereby call on the state government to ensure that people do not live in palpable fear and criminal elements also do not find a comforting abode in our state,”
I also call on Governor Makinde to charge the security operatives of Oyo state with the protection of lives and properties in our once peaceful state. Adesiyan added.
