Kebbi State residents took advantage of the cover of darkness to raid a government warehouse located in the Bayan Kara area of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Saturday evening, making away with a significant amount of food supplies.
Despite the presence of security personnel at the facility, the perpetrators forcibly entered and raided several private warehouses and shops nearby.
Some of the items taken were various grains originally intended for distribution within Birnin Kebbi.
This incident follows similar attacks on warehouses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and Suleja, Niger State, and other parts of the country amid a growing cost of living crisis made worse by the removal of petrol subsidies and currency fluctuations.
Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, Chairman of the food vendors association at Bayan Kara Market, Birnin Kebbi, disclosed that some establishments were also set on fire by unruly youths during the chaos.
Security forces made frantic efforts to dispel the group of looters using gunfire and teargas, however, they continued to plunder both government and private properties.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, described the incident as “unfortunate” and unheard of in Kebbi State.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) revealed that prior to raiding the government warehouse, the culprits had intercepted a shipment of food supplies intended for distribution by Dangote.
He pointed out the significant investment by the state government in acquiring and distributing over N5 billion worth of various grains to address food scarcity, condemning the looters for denying the people their rightful portion.
Idris reassured the public of proactive measures, affirming that the government has strengthened security at its warehouses to deter vandals and thieves from plundering them.