Drama As Resident Invade, Loot Govt Warehouse, Others (PHOTOS)

On Saturday night, some residents of Kebbi State launched an attack on a government warehouse located in the Bayan Kara area of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Despite the presence of security operatives stationed at the warehouse, the hoodlums managed to breach its defenses and made off with food items. Additionally, they vandalized several private warehouses and shops in the vicinity, also stealing food supplies. Among their loot was a truck loaded with assorted grains intended for distribution within Birnin Kebbi.

Similar incidents of warehouse attacks have been reported in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Suleja, Niger State. These occurrences coincide with a significant rise in the cost of living, largely attributed to the removal of petrol subsidies and the fluctuation of the naira.

Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, the Chairman of the food vendors association at Bayan Kara Market, recounted how the perpetrators, despite facing gunfire and teargas from security agents, persisted in their looting spree. Some shops and warehouses belonging to traders were also set ablaze by the unruly youths.

Responding to the situation, Ahmed Idris, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, expressed regret over the incident, labeling it as “unfortunate.” He revealed that the looted food items were part of the state government’s provisions intended for distribution among the populace. Idris emphasized that the government had invested over N5 billion in procuring and distributing assorted grains through more than 200 trucks. He condemned the theft, emphasizing that the looted items belonged to the people of Kebbi State.

Furthermore, Idris assured that the government had taken steps to enhance security around its warehouses to prevent future occurrences.

However, despite attempts to obtain a reaction from the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, there was no response to inquiries.