In a spree of lawlessness, certain residents of Kebbi State seized upon the cover of darkness to raid a government warehouse located in the Bayan Kara area of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, at the weekend.
Undeterred by the presence of security personnel, these individuals made off with significant quantities of food supplies.
Emboldened by their initial success, the marauders proceeded to burglarize several private warehouses and shops in the vicinity, pillaging additional food items.
Among their haul was a truck laden with assorted grains destined for distribution within Birnin Kebbi.
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This incident mirrors similar attacks on warehouses observed in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Suleja, Niger State.
The surge in such criminal activities occurs against the backdrop of a burgeoning cost of living crisis, widely attributed to the recent removal of petrol subsidies and the ensuing volatility in the exchange rate.
Speaking to our correspondent, Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, Chairman of the food vendors association at Bayan Kara Market, recounted how the assailants brazenly defied security measures, prompting a violent confrontation that resulted in the looting of both government and private establishments. He lamented the destruction of shops and warehouses set ablaze by unruly youths during the chaos.
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In response to the upheaval, Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, condemned the incident as “unfortunate.” He revealed that the looted food items constituted a portion of supplies earmarked by the state government for distribution among its citizens.
Emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such criminality in Kebbi, Idris underscored the government’s investment in procuring and disseminating grains worth over N5 billion, spanning more than 200 truckloads.
He decried the theft of resources intended for the welfare of the people.
In light of these events, stringent security measures have been enacted to safeguard government warehouses and prevent further breaches.
Despite repeated attempts, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nafiu Abubakar, could not be reached for comment on the matter.