FG, States Record More Losses As Looting Of Warehouses Continues

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Following the #EndSars movement, calling for the end in Police Brutality and Extortion by Nigerian youths across the country as well as several attacks by hoodlums including arson, vandalism, and looting of Warehouses holding COVID-19 palliative items have been recorded across the country. States, where hoodlums looted COVID-19 warehouses, include Lagos, Plateau, Cross River, Oyo, Kwara, Edo, Ondo, Adamawa, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among others.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who represented the Federal Government on an assessment visit to Lagos State said, "Our presence here is not accidental, it’s deliberate.

"Words are not enough to describe the extent of the damage we have seen but we are sure all will be well."

He added that all the ministers who came down to Lagos were the South West ministers, saying “we sympathize with the government of the State.

"I condole with families of those who have lost their lives and those lost properties," he said.

Speaking on the attacks, the Chairman of the Southwest Governors, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State expressed disappointment, saying the Southwest Governors commiserate with those lives lost and properties destroyed by arson as well as businesses and other private and public assets affected.

"The governors of the South West States of Nigeria wish to solidarize with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu, on the unfortunate occurrences of the past few days in Lagos State, which have impacted, negatively, on the whole Region. It is disquieting, to assert the least, that a protest widely acclaimed as peaceful and purpose-driven has been hijacked by some people, ostensibly to execute a destructive design.

"You will recall that the Inspector General of Police issued an order disbanding the special unit formerly known as Special Anti-Robbery Unit (SARS) in the wake of the protests across the country. It is also on record that the president and state governors responded positively to the demands of the agitators. A decision was reached at the National Economic Council meeting held on the 16m October 2020, that all States should set up a judicial panel of inquiry over violation of people’s rights and Incidence of police brutality. This has been complied with.

"Recent development leaves us with no other option than to believe that there may have been other reasons for the continued protests, well-coordinated, and funded. The spread of fake news and videos, which followed an allegation of shooting by some soldiers with heavy casualty figures at the Lekki Toll Gate, Victoria Island, Lagos, is primarily the purpose of our visit.

"We commiserate with the families of victims of violence across Lagos State and slain Policemen. We pray that the Almighty grant them the fortitude to bear these avoidable losses.

We also note, with much pain and sadness, the vast and spreading destruction of property belonging to notable individuals and vestiges of our collective patrimony and pride.
‘"We commiserate with His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on the sacrilege committed at his palace and condemn in no unmistakable terms the vile attack on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and destruction of businesses where it is believed he has an interest, TVC, THE NATION.
"We are deeply concerned about the facilities and people’s investments that have been burnt. We are worried that despite the unfortunate incident in Lekki, there is no definitive statement from the military.

"We want to insist on a full investigation to ascertain what actually occurred. The conflagration has been deployed by deliberate mass destruction.

"The damage done to the oldest court in the country is horrendous and other places".

He urged youths to desist from arson, saying “government properties cease to be government-owned once they are within your domains.”

He further advised Igbos residing in Lagos to disregard a viral video asking them to vacate Lagos, saying "the video should be totally disregarded."

"We appeal to our youths to suspend #EndSARS protests, you should remain calm. We will attend to all your demands in due time."

Vigil360 reports that thirteen States have inaugurated a judicial panel mandated to investigate alleged police brutality cases for possible prosecution of police officers involved.

The states include Ekiti, Delta, Lagos, Osun, Abia, Kwara, Ogun, Niger, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Enugu, and Ondo States.