The residents of Kebbi State launched a coordinated attack on both a government warehouse and several private stores in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. The incident, which unfolded under the cloak of night on Saturday in the Bayan Kara area, saw a mob forcibly seizing a vast quantity of food supplies, exacerbating concerns over food security and public order in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, undeterred by the security personnel guarding the government facility, managed to break into the warehouse and make off with valuable food items. Their audacious spree didn’t end there; several nearby private warehouses and shops also fell victim to looting, compounding the losses incurred by the community.
The looters capitalized on a disabled truck loaded with assorted grains, meant for distribution in the locality, further highlighting the extent of the crisis. This incident is part of a disturbing trend witnessed in other parts of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Suleja in Niger State, where warehouses have been targeted following the removal of petrol subsidies and the resulting economic strain.
Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, the Chairman of the food vendors association in Bayan Kara Market, Birnin Kebbi, conveyed to our correspondent that the chaos also led to arson attacks on some properties, exacerbating the situation. Despite efforts by the security forces, which included firing gunshots and deploying tear gas, they were unable to quell the unrest, allowing the looters to continue their spree unabated.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, expressed dismay at the turn of events, noting that such acts of brazen theft and vandalism are unprecedented in Kebbi State. He disclosed that before targeting the government warehouse, the group had also intercepted a shipment of food supplies from Dangote, pointing to the calculated nature of their operation.
Governor Idris’s administration has been proactive in addressing food scarcity by investing over N5 billion in the procurement and distribution of assorted grains. However, this recent looting spree undermines these efforts, depriving many citizens of much-needed relief during these challenging times.
In the aftermath of the incident, Idris reassured the public that the government has taken significant steps to secure its warehouses against future attacks, signaling a commitment to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that aid reaches those in genuine need.
