Looting spree in Kano as hoodlums hijack protest
The ongoing nationwide hunger protest in Kano State descended into chaos as hoodlums hijacked the exercise to loot shops and offices.
Daily Trust reports that scores of hoodlums were seen moving valuables, including chairs, computers and other valuables.
The Kano State government has not commented on the looting spree as the time of this report.
The demonstrations, titled “End Bad Governance in Nigeria,” have drawn security concerns as the Nigerian Police Force and other agencies fear the rallies may be hijacked, citing intelligence reports.
The rallies aim to pressure the government to address various issues, including providing free education, tackling insecurity, declaring a state of emergency on inflation, and transparency in lawmakers’ salaries.
The West African nation is battling with 34.2% inflation, the highest in nearly 30 years amid a cost-of-living crisis after President Bola Tinubu last year ended a popular petrol subsidy and devalued the local currency.
Earlier, the Nigeria Police said they had uncovered a sinister plot by the ‘Take It Back Movement‘ to unleash mayhem on the country, targeting innocent citizens, private and public properties, and critical infrastructure. The planned protests, authorities say, have far-reaching implications that are undemocratic, unconstitutional, and illegal.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun said this in a personal statement issued ahead of the August 1 protest.
The police boss further expressed dismay over the refusal of protest organizers to provide mandatory information, a requirement under the Constitution, Police Act, and other enabling laws.
Egbetokun noted that the Force recognizes that protest by any group of citizens in a democracy can be organized, subject to compliance with rules and regulations, decency, respect for the rule of law, as well as respect for the right of other citizens to move freely and carry out their normal duties and business without any threat or inhibition.
