Hoodlums steal relief material for flood victims in Adamawa
YOLA — Confusion enveloped Yola, Adamawa State capital as hoodlums attacked one of the major stores where relief materials for flood victims in the state were kept.
Eye witness account told Vanguard that moments after officials of the Red Cross International were about distributing the materials, the hoodlums in their dozens cordoned off the entire vicinity where they had a field day carting away the materials.
Report said after the state deputy governor, Bala Ngillari, and other dignitaries departed, the thugs numbering about 20, armed with bottles, sticks and machetes descended on the distribution venue.
An official of the state emergency agency who pleaded anonymity said: “We saw hell as these thugs attacked us with sophisticated weapons. They carted away all the items.”
Confirming the attack, the state chairman of the Red Cross who is also the permanent secretary in the state Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Mahmood Abubakar, said the items carted away by the hoodlums included kitchen sets, shelter kits, detergents, blankets and mosquito nets donated by the society’s head office.
He said it was callous for anybody to rip-off internally displaced persons, IDPs, in their predicament and warned that government would deal decisively with any person involved in such embarrassing act.
“It is unfortunate that undesirable elements can resort to such heinous act. They stole the relief items including those meant for Fufore local government areas. This will not deter us in helping those in need.
“We are still following due process in getting the criminal. Parents should monitor their children and wards,” he said.
Though when contacted the State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Muhammad Ibrahim, said the command is yet to be briefed on the matter.
While receiving the relief materials the state deputy governor had earlier cautioned residents of flood prone areas in the state to prepare for the impending flooding this year.
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