Plateau looters stole N75 billion in two days — Governor Lalong
The Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, Friday, says the state has lost property worth 75 billion naira during Saturday and Sunday looting following EndSARS protests in the state.
Residents in the state broke into some warehouses in search of palliatives but suddenly, many resorted to the looting of public and private property.
More than a hundred people were reported to have been paraded by the Special Task Force (OPSH), in connection to the looting of valuable items in the state.
The governor gave the disclosure during an interactive session with youth on the recent incidents in the state, held at the Government House in Rayfield, Jos.
Lalong said: “The preliminary report by a team of experts I constituted has estimated the losses to be put at about 75 billion naira for now.
“This takes us many years backward as we do not have the resources to replace the structures vandalised and the items damaged or stolen.
“We are yet to recover from the devastating economic consequences of COVID-19 which has greatly affected our capacity to provide services.
“Indeed, this act of destruction has nothing to do with the initial ENDSARS protests, but a clear act of criminality and unpatriotic behavior.
“As at the last count, we have more than 32 public and private property that were affected in the looting spree,” the governor added.
The governor, however, noted that there were challenges facing youths in the state, adding that as a father and governor, he felt the pain.
He said that his heart went out to youths due to lack of opportunities for jobs and better conditions to achieve their dreams.
The governor who said his administration was working hard to address them, however appealing to youths to always avoid any action that could threaten the unity and peace in the state and Nigeria at large.
