By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has clarified that the recent destruction and looting of public and ...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has clarified that the recent destruction and looting of public and private properties in the state were not the result of any protest but were politically motivated acts carried out by miscreants.
Speaking at the flag-off event for the emergency distribution of various food commodities to vulnerable households, donated by the federal government in collaboration with the state government, the governor emphasized that these acts of violence were driven by political motives, not public protests.
Governor Namadi expressed his dismay over the violence, pointing out that individuals with political agendas hijacked the situation and tricked innocent youths into participating in the looting and destruction.
“Despite repeated calls for restraint by the Ulama and other highly respected members of our communities, a protest that could have otherwise been peaceful and orderly was hijacked by certain crooked individuals and hoodlums, apparently to vent political resentments against the government and peace-loving people of Jigawa State. More disheartening is how these political miscreants lured and polluted the minds of some of our unsuspecting youths into participating in the unruly protests,” he said.
He condemned the actions, stating that the damage caused to both public and private properties has set the state back significantly.
“There is no doubt this has taken us several steps backwards as public and private properties worth several billions of Naira, including emergency relief materials and agricultural inputs meant to be distributed to the vulnerable segments of the population, were looted or vandalized.”
“Notwithstanding, as a humane government committed to lasting improvements in the welfare and economic well-being of our people, we will continue to implement more initiatives, interventions, and social safety net programs in line with our Agenda for Greater Jigawa.”
The governor extended his sympathies to those affected by the recent floods in thirteen local government areas of the state, highlighting the state government's ongoing efforts to provide emergency relief and the federal government’s commitment to delivering additional support through the National Emergency Management Agency.
“We most sincerely condole families that lost their loved ones. We commiserate with all those affected in one way or another. While still praying for a bumper harvest throughout the state, we also pray that God Almighty will recompense all those affected. Already, the state government is intervening to provide emergency relief to those affected.”
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government, has supplied a significant quantity of food commodities to distribute among the most vulnerable households across the state as part of the intervention. The supplies include 13,824 bags of sorghum, 11,880 bags of maize, 4,860 bags of millet, and 24,000 bags of rice. To expand coverage, the Jigawa State Government has supplemented these with additional commodities, ensuring that every household in the 287 political wards receives a fair share.
“These initiatives include food and cash transfers to thousands of vulnerable individuals, free or subsidized distribution of agricultural inputs to boost food production, and provision of employment opportunities to thousands of youths through programs like JTEACH, JAGRO, JHEALTH, and numerous permanent appointments, particularly in the Education and Health sectors. The Feeding Program introduced during Ramadan reached thousands of households and individuals. Just a month ago, I launched an Agricultural Support Program for Civil Servants, providing over 8,000 civil servants with subsidized agricultural inputs and cash loans totalling over three billion Naira.”
Governor Namadi reiterated the commitment of both the federal and state governments to continue providing relief and implementing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people, particularly the vulnerable segments of the population. He also assured citizens that those responsible for the vandalism would be held accountable.
“In the same vein, I would like to reiterate that, as the government, we will not condone what happened. We have left the appropriate agencies to do their work and ensure that anyone proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the vandalization of public and private properties is made to reap what he sowed.”
The governor called on all peace-loving people in Jigawa State to remain patient, law-abiding, and prayerful as the government continues to work toward the state's socioeconomic prosperity.
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