Omotayo Adigun
A distribution of Ramadan palliatives, organized by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was disrupted in Gombe State when youths looted a truck carrying essential food supplies.
The incident occurred amidst Seyi Tinubu‘s tour across northern states, where he has been conducting Ramadan feeding programs for the less privileged.
The distribution effort, framed as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) initiative, involved trucks carrying food items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta, intended for Iftar, the Muslims’ breaking of fast.
However, one of the two trucks, carrying approximately 3,500 cartons of supplies, was intercepted and looted by a large crowd.
According to DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the Gombe Police Command, the hijacking occurred because residents witnessed the initial offloading of items at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat and became concerned about the destination of the remaining supplies. He clarified that about 90 percent of the goods had been offloaded before the incident.
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DSP Abdullahi noted that the absence of security personnel at the scene until the situation escalated contributed to the hijacking. He confirmed that the police invited the truck driver for questioning and verified that the items were indeed intended for distribution within Gombe State.
The incident has sparked reactions regarding the nature of such aid distributions. Bulus Adamu, a vocal advocate for good governance, expressed concerns about the desperation and hunger evident in the looting.
He urged philanthropists to focus on sustainable solutions, such as job creation and improved wages, rather than temporary food aid.
The APC has not yet issued an official response to the incident.