Soldiers fired shots on Thursday when suspected hoodlums seized trailers carrying food supplies in the Suleja Area of Niger State,Daily Trust reports.
According to Alhassan Abdullahi, a witness, numerous trailers en route from Abuja to Kaduna were obstructed by the hoodlums, who set fire to tires on the road. Before soldiers arrived, many bags of foodstuffs, particularly rice, were looted.
“The soldiers intervened and fired shots into the air to disperse the hoodlums,” Abdullahi said. “However, despite their efforts, many individuals managed to escape with bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, and other food items.”
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“We’ve heard that commercial motorcycle riders are also planning a protest,” he added. “They were supposed to start yesterday, but something must have prevented them.”
This incident occurs amidst nationwide hardship, which has led to protests in various parts of the country.
On February 16, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28. Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, made the announcement during an emergency session at Labour House, Abuja. The decision to protest was made following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government regarding the prevailing hardship.
The ultimatum was issued to press for reforms aimed at alleviating the current difficulties faced by Nigerians.
Last week, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed concerns about the millions of Nigerian youths left without employment or adequate food, warning that Nigeria is on the brink of crisis.
Addressing the 6th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna, the Sultan highlighted the escalating insecurity and poverty levels in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Similarly, two days prior, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, lamented the widespread hunger and starvation in the country, urging First Lady Remi Tinubu, during her visit, to discuss the plight of Nigerians with her husband.
