Thelma Osatohanmwen
Residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria took matters into their own hands on Sunday as they invaded a warehouse belonging to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) located in Karimo, Phase 3 Region.
The raid was reportedly triggered by the ongoing economic hardship gripping the nation, with looters making off with foodstuffs and various other items.
The incident, reminiscent of the unrest seen during the EndSARS protests, underscores the frustration and desperation felt by many Nigerians amidst challenging economic conditions.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that a surge of residents descending on the warehouse, seizing whatever they could lay their hands on.
Responding swiftly to the escalating situation, law enforcement authorities deployed police personnel to the area in an attempt to restore order and disperse the looters.
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed the incident, assuring the public that the situation had been brought under control.
NEMA, confirming the attack on its warehouse, expressed concern over the incident. Ezekiel Manzo, Head of Media for NEMA, likened the invasion to the turbulent times of the EndSARS protests, indicating a resurgence of civil unrest fueled by socio-economic grievances.
“I have been receiving so many calls to that effect,” stated Manzo. “I called a colleague. He confirmed it to me. I think we are in another era of EndSARS.”
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Manzo expressed his intent to address the matter promptly, albeit after attending church service. “I am going back into the church until after service before I can follow up on that,” he said. “We will close at 12 p.m. Then I will call the officers concerned.”
