Protest: Army refutes looting store in Kano

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations of looting a store in Kano during the August 1 protests.

In a viral video, troops were seen packing some kegs of oil into their vehicle which made people suggest army involvement in the looting of a store.

In the statement Dailyeconomy obtained from the Army Director of Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu on Friday clarified that troops were responding to a distress call about an attack on Barakat Stores.

He emphasised that the army intervened to prevent looting and recovered some items, which were later returned to the store.

The statement partly reads, “The NA by this statement wishes to set the record straight and correct this misinformation. Contrary to the misconception portrayed in the purported video, soldiers of 3 Brigade NA responded to a distress call of hoodlums’ attack on Barakat Stores in the metropolis, the swift intervention of the soldiers however prevented the hoodlums from having a filled day.

“The troops intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered some of the looted items, which they were conveying back to the Store, when another distress call of a planned attack on the Kano State Government House was received.

“Considering the urgency of the imminent attack, the troops immediately diverted to respond to the distress call in order to protect the Government House from the hoodlums’ attack. It was in the course of the response to distress call about possible attack on Kano Government House, that the video was shot.

“The fluidity and urgency of the distress call explain why troops in the video were not overly bothered when some hoodlums even stole from the troops’ truck while in motion. At that juncture, preventing the attack on the Government House was more expedient.

“Troops have since moved the recovered gallons of cooking oil and other items back to the store, where they were safely handed-over to the rightful owner. The management of Barakat stores has acknowledged and appreciated the effort of the troops and their professional conduct in a letter conveyed by the organization’s General Manager.

The army according to the statement commended the troops for their effort and professional conduct in maintaining law and order and prevention of wanton looting by the hoodlums.

However, the army urged the public to verify facts before drawing conclusions about the events during the protests and other actions.

“We urge the public to be cautious of misinformation and verify facts before drawing conclusions. We appreciate the cooperation and support of law-abiding members of the public in ensuring peace and safety at this critical moment,” the statement added.