Police: We’ve arrested 56 looters in Kogi

The Kogi police command has arrested 56 suspected looters in the state.

The suspects were paraded by Ayuba Ede, Kogi state police commissioner, in Lokoja on Wednesday.

Spraying machines, agro chemicals, cartoons of surgical gloves, motorcycles and air conditioners were part of the stolen items recovere.

Ede said parading the suspects was in compliance with a directive given by Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), to put a stop to killings, end the looting and restore normalcy across the country.

“I am pleased to inform you that the ongoing operation which has been carried out with dedication and passion led to the arrest of 56 suspected looters of Agricultural Development Project, Essential Drugs warehouse and the federal ministry of agriculture offices in Lokoja and recoveries of some looted items,” the police commissioner said.

“Eighteen suspected looters were arrested in connection with the looting and vandalization of items from stores of the ministry of agriculture and the entire premises of Agricultural Development Project (ADP) Located at Felele, Lokoja.

“All the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of the investigation.”

Ede urged law-abiding citizens to go about their businesses, adding that the police would not allow anyone take laws into their hands.

“I warn all miscreants that the command in synergy with other security agencies in the state will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law against persons who take the law into their hands.

“Finally, the renewed commitment of the command to sustain the tempo of the fight against criminality in the state and guarantee protection of life and properties remain unequivocal and unwavering.”

A mob attacked a warehouse located along Murtala Muhammed Way, close to Kpata market in Lokoja on Sunday, carting away COVID-19 relief materials. A fertilizer warehouse was also hit in Felele.

There was massive looting across the country after the demonstrations against police brutality.

Mobs have attacked both public and private property, carting away different items.