Hoodlums hijack palliatives distribution in Ogun

Distribution of palliatives in Ogun State on Monday was hijacked by daring hoodlums who stormed the venue, disrupted the process and carted away the food items.

Daily Trust gathered that following the looting spree nationwide, officials of government had moved to distribute the palliatives housed at Ijebu – Ode, Sagamu and Ifo Local Government Areas of the state.

• Palliatives: Sadiya Farouq shines online after months of bashing
• Looting: Buratai orders military commanders to clamp down on hoodlums

The decision, it was gathered, was a preemptive measure to prevent looters from breaking into the warehouses, the illicit act which has been going on in different parts of the country.

It was gathered that officials who were at Ijebu – Ode, Sagamu and Ifo, to distribute the food items, were overpowered by the hoodlums and took away branded bags of rice, noodles and other items.

Eyewitness said atmosphere became rowdy and chaotic, as hoodlums took over the process, leaving the officials and security agents helpless.

Similar scenario played out at Sagamu where the food items were reportedly stored at the NYSC Camp.

A video that went viral showed looters carting away food items from a building believed to be owned by a religious body.

A youth leader in Sagamu, Kayode Segun Okeowo told our correspondent that “there was nothing like looting in Sagamu.”

According to him, youths in the LG had got the wind of a plot to storm the palliatives warehouse for possible looting, but the government officials were alerted to avoid break down of law and order.

Okeowo said the government later bowed to pressure to distribute the food items.

Speaking with the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi said the command was aware of the development, but exercised restraint to avoid stampede.

He said, “We are aware. But we are trying to be diplomatic about it because we don’t want to cause any stampede. If we are to go to the place to effect arrest, it is going to cause more problems than we can solve. It is not that we are not aware.”