Kwara releases N500m to assist businesses destroyed by mobs

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara state, has announced the release of N500 million to support businesses affected by the looting carried out by mobs in the state last week.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, chief press secretary to the governor of Kwara, on Sunday.

Last Friday, some mobs had attacked a warehouse suspected to contain COVID-19 palliatives and went away with food items.

Mobs also carted away various goods and food stuff at Shoprite Mall; FEMTECH (also a private-owned mall in Ilorin); Palms Mall at Fate Road, Ilorin; Lifemate Furniture; Kwara Agro Mall, among other stores.

AbdulRazaq (pictured) condemned the “mindless looting” of people’s businesses in the state capital on Friday, insisting there can be no justification for such criminal behaviour.

According to the statement, the governor, in a visit to Kwara Mall and Agro Mall on Saturday evening, said the incident may bring businesses to their knees, cause massive loss of jobs and a surge in poverty rate in the state.

“We are therefore not going to leave the business owners like that. We are setting up a N500 million fund for those that were affected to access,” AbdulRazaq said.

“The application form is live and active on the state government’s website and can now be filled by interested parties. We are going to get them back as soon as possible.”

He claimed that the looting was not carried out by students in the state but by “hoodlums and thieves”.

“While the hoodlums were looting (on Friday), I was holding a meeting with executives and members of the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Kwara axis.

“It shows students and youths were not part of the looting. Those involved were just hoodlums and thieves.”

AbdulRazaq further said his administration is working with security agencies to maintain public order and safety in the state.