On January 9th, 2022 another shining light and leading petrochemical expert was cut short by ruthless murderers decked as kidnappers. The beast on them could not be appeased with the payment of a N5M (Five Million Naira) ransom.
Ojinimi Osayi’s supposed misfortune was activated by a visit to the homeland to attend his in-law’s (Dr. Awodi – former Rector, Idah Polytechnic) funeral, inter alia. Without a doubt, Ojonimi’s demise a year after we lost Engr. Atanu (this case has yet to reach closure, a year after) should elicit the necessary vortex if only to upset the inertia that has made us either onlookers or next-in-line victims.
Unfortunately, our attitude of accommodation and acceptance of these bizarre occurrences as a “new normal” upends the desirable push. Yes, we complain, bleakly remonstrate and mourn then return to the “normal” as we inadvertently wait for the next requiem.
As a sequel, people no longer desire to go/come home anymore except on account of largely unavoidable ‘call-ups’ like funerals or wedding ceremonies. Added to this, the cost of ensuring personal security now outstrips the benefit of visiting, in the first place. The immediate implication is that the trickledown effects (Igala) from such visits disappears while enthroning a re-distributive effect (non-Igala) away from the original beneficiaries: Resultantly, poverty rides freely and grows geometrically from the exclusion that berths.
We do not need prophecies to reckon that, at this rate, a time may come when even the escorts and armed details we carry will not be sufficient guarantees for/of security. Evidence abound.
For once, let us truly act as brothers/sisters. See as brothers/sisters. Feel as brothers/sisters. And, let us ALL (irrespective of affiliations) appropriate the extant scourges and be unanimous and deliberate with exorcising the demons that sustain such bestiality, rectitude and lack of discretion.
While I join countless otherwise to pray for a repose of his soul, I also pray that Almighty God grants the families of the departed the fortitude needed at this time of deep sorrow.
As it is, we are all seemingly endangered and frenziedly hurrying to extinction, if we don’t close ranks and do the needful.
Victor Alewo Adoji PhD