In a desperate scramble for food, residents of Kebbi state, including the capital Birnin Kebbi, looted government warehouses and private stores on Saturday night. This eruption of unrest exposes the deepening hardship caused by Nigeria’s economic woes.
The looting spree began at a government storage facility in Bayan Kara. Overpowering security personnel, residents seized essential food items. The frenzy extended to private warehouses and shops, with a broken-down truck carrying grains destined for Birnin Kebbi also targeted.
This incident follows similar outbreaks in Abuja and Suleja, reflecting a growing sense of desperation as Nigerians grapple with high living costs. The recent removal of petrol subsidies and a weakened Naira are blamed for the economic strain.
Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, chairman of the Bayan Kara market food vendors, described the situation as chaotic. Security forces deployed tear gas and fired warning shots, but they couldn’t contain the aggressive crowds.
“They breached the government warehouse and some shops,” Gwadangwaji recounted. He added that the looters set several shops and warehouses on fire.
Governor Nasir Idris’s spokesperson, Ahmed Idris, condemned the attacks as “unfortunate” and unprecedented in Kebbi’s history.
“The attackers first targeted a shipment of food items from Dangote meant for distribution before hitting the government warehouse,” Idris explained.
He revealed that the looted foodstuffs, purchased by the state government for its citizens, were valued at over N5 billion and spread across 200 trucks.
“It’s tragic that those who raided the warehouse stole from the people they claim to be helping,” Idris lamented. He confirmed measures were taken to secure the warehouses and prevent future incidents.
