By Sabiu Abdullahi
Residents in Kebbi State stormed a government storage facility in Bayan Kara, Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Saturday, looting a significant quantity of food supplies.
Disregarding security personnel stationed at the warehouse, the residents also illegally entered several private warehouses and shops in the vicinity, making off with food items.
According to Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, Chairman of the food vendors association at Bayan Kara Market in Birnin Kebbi, some shops and trader warehouses were deliberately set ablaze by a group of young people.
“They (security agents) fired gunshots and teargas into the air, but they (the youths) were not deterred. They forced their way in and looted the government warehouse and some of our shops,” Gwadangwaji stated.
Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, expressed dismay over the incident, labeling it “unfortunate.”
“The hoodlums had earlier attacked the consignment of food items that was brought to the state for distribution to the people by Dangote before going to the government warehouse to loot it,” Idris lamented.
“Such an incident has never happened in Kebbi before. The food items they looted are part of the foodstuffs purchased by the state government for distribution to the people of the state.
“Government has procured and distributed assorted grains worth over N5 billion in over 200 trucks. It is unfortunate that those who broke into the warehouse had gone there to steal what belongs to the people of the state,” he added.
The incident has sparked concern among authorities and residents alike, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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