The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, has characterized the looting of a warehouse in the region as a “criminal act.”
Credible News reported that suspected hoodlums raided the warehouse in Gwagwa-Tasha of the FCT on Sunday, absconding with food items.
While inspecting the facility on Monday, Mariya expressed dismay at the extent of the damage, highlighting her disappointment with the incident.
“I was at the Gwagwa-Tasha warehouse to ascertain the level of damage sustained by hoodlums on Sunday. This act is beyond hunger, it is a criminal act!!! What I saw was an unfortunate incident, a situation whereby hoodlums carted away all the grains and other foodstuffs, including the roofs and fence,” she wrote on her X handle after the visit.
“I am disappointed over the attitude of the youths within the area, and those found culpable will be brought to book. Also, the administration would establish a police post in all government warehouses across the territory going forward.”
I was at the Gwagwa-Tasha warehouse to ascertain the level of damage penultimate Sunday by hoodlums.
This act is beyond hunger, it is a criminal act!!!
What I saw was an unfortunate incident, a situation whereby hoodlums carted away all the grains and other food stuffs… pic.twitter.com/jER44lSoPn
— Dr. Mariya Mahmoud (@drmmariya) March 4, 2024
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Police authorities in the FCT said, in the wake of the incident, 15 people have been arrested.
“The Command wishes to state that normalcy has since been restored to the environment and the situation is very much under control, as fifteen suspects were arrested, including two local security guards employed by the warehouse management,” the FCT police command said.
“Exhibits such as twenty-six (26) bags of maize, five motorcycles, and some vandalized aluminum roofings were recovered from the suspects.”
Sunday’s looting comes amidst the harsh economic conditions in the country. The cost of living has risen to new levels since the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria and the floating of the naira. Protests have also rocked several cities, while looting of food trucks was reported in some places as citizens called on the Federal Government to address the issue.
But President Bola Tinubu is calling for patience, saying the “reforms will yield results.”
