Residents of Kebbi State demonstrated an act of desperation for survival on Saturday night as they raided a government warehouse in the Bayan Kara area of Birnin Kebbi, seizing food supplies amidst tense economic conditions exacerbated by recent policy changes.
The looters, undeterred by security forces, also targeted private facilities, escalating a wave of plundering that has been witnessed in Abuja and Suleja, Niger State.
Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, Chairman of the Bayan Kara Market food vendors association, recounted the mayhem, revealing how the youth ravaged stores and absconded with sacks of essential food items, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Despite the presence of armed police and soldiers, the looters persisted, exchanging tear gas with law enforcement officers and pillaging with impunity.
Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, condemned the incident as “unfortunate,” disclosing that the looted goods were intended for distribution to the people of Kebbi State.
Idris lamented the unprecedented nature of the attack, stating that the stolen items belonged to the citizens of the state, who were intended beneficiaries of government aid programs.
