In a tense altercation on Thursday, soldiers intervened when suspected hoodlums attempted to hijack trailers loaded with foodstuff in the Suleja Area of Niger State.
According to Alhassan Abdullahi, an eyewitness, the incident unfolded as multiple trailers, en route from Abuja to Kaduna, were obstructed by hoodlums who set tires ablaze on the road. The assailants made away with numerous bags of food items, notably rice, before military personnel arrived at the scene.
Abdullahi recounted, “It took the intervention of soldiers who arrived at the scene and fired gunshots into the air to deter the hoodlums. Nevertheless, many managed to escape with bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, and other food items.”
Reports indicate that commercial motorcycle riders are also considering staging a protest, although their plans were delayed for unspecified reasons.
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This incident occurs against the backdrop of nationwide unrest prompted by pervasive hardship across the country. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recently declared a two-day mass protest scheduled for February 27th and 28th in response to the dire economic conditions. Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, announced the protest following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to address the prevailing challenges.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has voiced concerns over the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment, warning that Nigeria is on the brink of a crisis. Similarly, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, highlighted the widespread hunger and starvation, urging concerted efforts to alleviate the plight of Nigerians.
