A group of youths in Kebbi State recently ransacked a government warehouse located in the Bayan Kara area of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. The attackers broke into the warehouse and stole assorted food items, despite the presence of security operatives. Additionally, the hoodlums targeted private warehouses and stores in the vicinity, making off with more food items. Among their loots was a truck loaded with assorted grains that had broken down and was intended for distribution in Birnin Kebbi. These incidents of warehouse attacks are similar to similar occurrences in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Suleja in Niger State. The attacks have occurred at a time when the cost of living crisis is intensifying, a situation that many attribute to the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira.
Muhammadu Gwadangwaji, the Chairman of the food vendors association at Bayan Kara Market in Birnin Kebbi, reported that some shops and warehouses belonging to traders were also set on fire by certain youths during the unrest. Despite security agents firing gunshots and teargas to deter the youths, they still managed to force their way into the government warehouse and some shops.
Reacting to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, described it as “unfortunate”.
