By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has directed security agents mobilized to different locations in Calabar not to shoot at crowds that broke into some warehouses to take foodstuff meant for distribution as palliatives.
Ayade gave the directives shortly after some angry youths broke into state government food ware houses at different locations and carted away several food items (palliatives), including bags of rice, beans, palm oil and others.
The directives followed the breaking of the government food warehouses in two different locations at the office of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, located along Barracks Road, Calabar, same premises with the Cross River State Newspaper, publishers of Chronicles; and another warehouse located at the state housing estate, a stone’s throw to the Housing Police Station, where several food items, including bags of rice, noddles, and even bottled water were looted by angry youths, and hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful protest.
Ayade’s Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Adviser, SSA, on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, who spoke on behalf of the state governor stated that the food stuff carted away was meant for distribution, adding that it was unfortunate that youths broke into the warehouses to take the foodstuffs.
The governor stated that the foodstuff were taken delivery of about two weeks ago with distribution ongoing, especially in the rural areas.
It’s siad, “The governor is sad at the ugly turn of events, following the hijacking of the peaceful protest against police brutality in the state.”
While urging security agents to apply utmost restrain in trying to enforce peace, the governor said that they should do so without shooting at any one.
Ayade appealed to everyone to give peace a chance, as government works hard to meet the demands of the youths.
