There was commotion on Sunday, August 31, at a field in Suleja, Niger State, as residents looted relief materials meant for distribution to the public.
A distribution exercise was scheduled to take place on 31 August 31, with relief materials arranged ahead of the exercise.
However, impatient locals rushed the grab the relief items, trampling fellow residents in the process.
“Nobody should go out. Security should lock the gate, nobody should go out,” someone is heard announcing repeatedly with a microphone.
Armed uniformed personnel are seen trying unsuccessfully to restore order.
At one point, men with sticks are seen guarding the relief materials, and they used the sticks to flog residents who rushed towards the items to loot them. Still, this did not deter the locals, as they continued to grab relief materials and run off with them.
After the gate was locked at the instruction of the MC, locals are seen climbing the fence to escape with their loot.
After the gate was locked at the instruction of the MC, locals are seen climbing the fence to escape with their loot.
Watch the video below.
This sad incident shows how poverty and poor planning turn relief efforts into chaos, putting lives at risk instead of offering help.