In a recent development, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, condemned the looting of a warehouse in Gwagwa-Tasha as a "criminal act," distancing it from hunger-driven motives. Suspected hoodlums ransacked the facility on Sunday, making off with food items, prompting an inspection by the minister the following day. Expressing disappointment over the extent of damage, Mariya emphasized that the incident went beyond hunger, branding it as a criminal act.
In a tweet following the inspection, she shared, "What I saw was an unfortunate incident, a situation whereby hoodlums carted away all the grains and other foodstuffs, including the roofs and fence." The minister pledged to hold those found culpable accountable and announced plans to establish police posts in government warehouses across the territory.
Meanwhile, the FCT police reported the arrest of 15 suspects, including local security guards employed by the warehouse management. Recovered exhibits included maize bags, motorcycles, and vandalized aluminum roofing.
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of escalating economic challenges, marked by the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira's floating. Nationwide protests and sporadic food truck looting have underscored citizens' calls for government intervention. President Bola Tinubu, while acknowledging the hardships, urges patience, emphasizing that ongoing reforms will yield positive results.
