Four Killed, 47 Arrested During Youth Rampage, Looting Of Government Warehouses, Shops In Nigeria’s Adamawa State

At least four persons were reportedly killed during the youth rampage and looting of government warehouses in Adamawa State on Sunday. 

Inside Port Harcourt learnt that at about 8 am on Sunday, youths in their thousands attacked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warehouse at PZ Roundabout, adjacent to the Yola International Airport and carted away grains among other items.

SaharaReporters reported that over 200 tricycle vehicles loaded with grains and other items left the NEMA warehouse alone, on Sunday morning.

As further gathered, armed hoodlums took advantage of the situation to dispose residents of personal belongings, including cell phones.

At least, four of the alleged looters were reportedly shot dead by security operatives during the rampage.

“Here in this car is my own share of the loot, but it actually came at a cost, because four of us (looters) were shot dead. But I blame the youths because they attempted to engage the security guys; possibly to snatch rifles,” a looter told Saharareporters.

This was corroborated by a military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he lacked the authority to speak on the matter.

At least four persons were reportedly killed during the youth rampage and looting of government warehouses in Adamawa State on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/gBYxstOZub

— Inside Pitakwa (@PitakwaJobzilla) July 30, 2023

He said, “We had to fire gunshots because the hoodlums were advancing to attack us. Yes, I think about three or four may have been neutralised in the process.”

However, the police could not immediately confirm the fatalities. 

The spokesperson for Adamawa State police command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said, “I won’t be able to confirm any casualty as of now because I’m awaiting an assessment report. But I can confirm to you that 47 persons arrested in connection with the crime are in our custody.”

The general feeling is that the current hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol may have triggered the looting spree.

In the state, prices of foodstuffs have risen astronomically, with a bag of rice which was sold for N27,000 in May, now being for N46,500.

As things stand, the streets are empty, just as businesses and shops have closed in compliance with the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

In the meantime, armed security personnel comprising soldiers, police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps are patrolling the streets to enforce the curfew.