Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has announced a 24-hour curfew in state after some residents broke into government-owned and private food stores.
It was gathered that Adamawa residents started a looting spree on Sunday while expressing their frustration over hardships caused by the removal of petrol subsidies and the soaring cost of food items.
The situation escalated as not only food but also non-food items like generator sets and mattresses were looted from private businesses, aggravating the already tense atmosphere.
“Aside from food items, people were also seen with items such as generator sets, mattresses, and other non-food items were said to have been looted from stores owned by private individuals,” a resident, Manu Haruna, told PREMIUM TIMES.
The chief press secretary to the governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, announced the curfew on Sunday afternoon, stating that it was necessary to curb the activities of the looters who were wreaking havoc by targeting shops and stores.
he said the 24-hour curfew, effective immediately, restricts all movement throughout the state, with exceptions only for those on essential duties with valid identification.
Governor Fintiri called on citizens and residents to comply with the directive, emphasizing that anyone found violating the order would be arrested and face legal consequences.
The statement reads, “The Governor of Adamawa State, the Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has declared a 24-hour curfew on the state, effective immediately Sunday, 30th July, 2023.
“Governor Fintiri said the curfew followed the dangerous dimension the activities of hoodlums had assumed across the state capital as they attack people with machetes and break into business premises and homes, carting away property.
“With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state.
“Rt. Hon. Fintiri said only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew.
“The Governor is appealing to citizens and residents of the state to comply with the directive, adding that any person found contravening the order would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.”
The state’s police command also released a statement urging residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from participating in any chaotic activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola confirmed deploying a team from various units to enforce the 24-hour curfew declared by the state government.
Watch the videos below:
Happening live in Yola, people are looting government warehouses, Adamawa governor has imposed 24hrs curfew to restore peace. pic.twitter.com/1PppZNItt9
— LION KING💎 (@kanny_lion) July 30, 2023
They've had enough in Yola, Adamawa State. pic.twitter.com/JZUIm3pjlV
— Myada – Godfather (@elias_McBlack) July 30, 2023
Men, women and children are looting government warehouses in Adamawa State.
"Nigeria's revolution (poor eating the rich) will start from Northern Nigeria"- Dele Farotimi pic.twitter.com/Tr9yYdRtMP
— ÓMÒÉLÉRÍNJÁRÉ (@omoelerinjare) July 30, 2023
Breaking..
Gov Fintiri declares 24 hr curfew in Adamawa as hungry rioters turn violent, attack & loot govt offices & warehouses.
I see an impending war btw the rich & the poor; a war btw the haves & the have nots. It will be more lethal than a civil war. It's called revolution! pic.twitter.com/MiINjVhogN
— Ken Eluma Asogwa (@kenelumaasogwa) July 30, 2023
Security personnel begins house-to-house manhunt for criminals who invaded the government warehouse in Yola.@GovernorAUF is a no-nonsense governor.@AdamawaPoliceNG pic.twitter.com/qZknZrEdJF
— AdamawaLastBorn (@AdamawaLas79384) July 30, 2023
Breaking: Palliative in Adamawa, some hoodlums attack a warehouse and began to stole properties pic.twitter.com/bG3beoDTK1
— Comrade Haroun🇳🇬🇹🇷 (@ComradeHaroun) July 30, 2023
KanyiDaily recalls that during the EndSARS protests in 2020, there were wide spread looting across the country as Nigerian youths hit the streets to protest against police brutality.