Date: 2021-10-08

The attention of Offa Descendants' Union, O.D.U has been drawn to a publication on Tuesday, 7th October, 2021 by the Punch Newspaper alleging that a North-bound train was set on fire by hoodlums in Offa.

In the said publication, the incident was stretched beyond its point of elasticity casting aspersions on the name and fame of our noble community.

O.D.U wishes to state categorically that the incident has been thoroughly investigated and found out that no any North-bound Train was set ablaze in Offa.

O.D.U in its investigation, discovered that two (2) abandoned train coaches of over 6 years have become hideouts for miscreants who smoked and left cigarette droppings that caused the fire outbreak in the two abandoned coaches.

O.D.U wishes to reiterate that our stock in trade in Offa is developing and donating properties worth millions of naira to the Federal and state Governments just like the case of 68 PMF Squadron Base (MOPOL Barrack), Ultra Modern Accident and Emergency Ward etc. And not vandalisation of public properties.

O.D.U uses this opportunity to draw the attention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to all their abandoned properties including staff quarters and train coaches and the need to work with the security operatives to get rid of miscreants occupying their properties in Offa.

O.D.U demands a retraction of this malicious news within seven (7) days and public apology from the Punch Newspaper to Offa community.

Signed.

Maruf Olalekan AJENIFUJA

National P.R.O,

O.D.U National Headquarters, Offa.

8th October, 2021