Protest : 26 Arrested For Alleged Looting in Two LGAs of Nasarawa State

By Chris Nyamtu
Security operatives have been deployed to strategic spots of Karu and Keffi Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State to ensure full compliance with the restriction of movements imposed on the areas following the breakdown of law and order during the nationwide EndBadGovernance protests.
Over 26 suspects were arrested for allegedly looting and destroying properties during the protest in the two local government areas.
Youths from Karu and Keffi Local government areas of Nasarawa State joined in the nationwide EndBadGovernance protest which commenced on the first of August 2024 due to the economic challenges facing the country.
However, the protest became violent in some areas of the two local Government Areas as some of the youths resorted to vandalizing public and private property, including business centres, which led to the imposition of restrictions on movements from dust to dawn in the areas to forestall the escalation of the situation.
When Radio Nigeria visited the two local government areas, it was observed that calm was gradually returning as a combined team of security operatives, including soldiers, were placed at strategic locations, especially major roads and business premises.
In an interview, the Chairman of Keffi Local Government Area, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Baba stated that some groups of hoodlums took advantage of the protest to perpetrate unlawful acts by attacking innocent citizens who were passing by.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, Mr James Thomas, noted that over 20 suspects had been arrested when they attempted to vandalize some business centres on the second day of the protest.
A businessman in Keffi, Mallam Abdullahi Ashiru, whose wares were looted, called on the Federal and State Governments to take adequate measures to end the protests as soon as possible.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Nasarawa State Governor Dr. Nawani Aboki, who visited the two local government areas to monitor the situation, called on the protesting youths to show restraint and embrace dialogue.
Dr Nawani Aboki emphasized that the state government would not relent in its efforts towards providing safety to lives and property.
He added that given the proximity between the two local government areas to the FCT, 24-hour security surveillance had been put in place to protect motorists.