Five persons are reported to have died while struggling to share bags of money found in a government warehouse in Jalingo, Taraba’s state capital after breaking into the facility.
In a report by an Abuja based newspaper, the looters who had broken keys of doors of the warehouse found two bags stuffed with 1000 Naira notes inside the Warehouse located close to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Secretariat in Jalingo on Saturday.
Daily Trust reported that the victims got killed when thousands of the looters struggled to get a share of the money.
It was further gathered that despite the 5 persons killed the looting continued with some security men also joining the looters.
It was gathered that the items were kept in the warehouse about four months ago.
The suspected looters had at about 6 pm launched an attack at the warehouse.
Daily Trust reported that thousands of people including women and children carting away assorted items from the warehouse.
Some of the looters came with Tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, vans, and other vehicles to load and loaded bags of Rice,Maize, Soyabean, and other items from the warehouse.
Only one police pick-up van was seen close to the warehouse and few policemen looked helpless as the looters trooped into the warehouse to cart away food item.
Some the looters interviewed said the items stored in the warehouse was purchased by the public fund and the items belong to the people.
A woman reportedly told Daily Trust that ” We are taking what belongs to us, the politicians are wicked people for keeping the items when people are hungry” the woman said.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. DanAzumi Navulga said he will not comment on the issue because he had retired from service.
The Senior Assistant on Media and publicity to Governor Darius Ishaku,Mr. Bala DanAbu also declined comment over the incident.
“If you are at the warehouse and saw the looting going on you can write your report,” DanAbu said.
Courtesy Daily Trust
