The looting of a warehouse at Gwagwa-Tasha in Abuja has been described as a “very unfortunate incident” by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud. She expressed dismay over the looting, noting that the hoodlums not only took away food items but also the roofing sheets, windows, and gates of the facility, calling it a criminal act beyond hunger.
Following an assessment visit to the looted warehouse, Mahmoud stated that the level of damage was extensive, with machinery used for food processing also taken. She attributed the looting to youths in the area and emphasized the need for heightened security measures, including the establishment of police posts in all FCT warehouses to prevent future incidents.
The looting occurred while the FCT Administration was restocking its warehouses in response to a directive from President Bola Tinubu to distribute palliatives to residents in all six Area Councils of the FCT. The administration had already distributed palliatives twice and was preparing for a third distribution when the looting took place.
Mahmoud expressed concern that the incident might delay the distribution of palliatives in the territory and reiterated the administration’s commitment to prosecuting those responsible. The FCT Police Command has already arrested 15 suspects in connection with the looting, including two security guards employed by the warehouse management.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, announced the recovery of 26 bags of maize, five motorcycles, and vandalized aluminum roofing sheets from the suspects. The arrests highlight the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident, emphasizing that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
PM News