Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, has said the recent incidents of destruction and looting of public and private properties in the state were politically motivated.

The governor disclosed this on Friday while 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.

He emphasized that political motives, not any public protest, drove these acts of violence.

Governor Namadi expressed his dismay over the violence, pointing out that individuals with political motivations hijacked it and tricked innocent youths into participating in the looting and destruction.

According to him, “Despite repeated calls by the Ulama and other highly respected members of our communities to stop the protest that could have otherwise been peaceful and orderly, it was hijacked by certain crooked individuals and hoodlums.

“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 backward, 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.

DAILY POST