THE POLICE IN NIGER USES TEAR GAS TO DISPERSE YOUTH PROSTRATING OVER HIGH COST OF FOOD ITEMS

The Police in Niger state has used tear gas to disperse women and youth that have converge at Kpakungu to protest over current economic hardship due to increase in the prices of essential commodities.

The protest which started this morning by some women that lasted for hours was later hijacked by the youth who came out in their large number carrying placards with different inscription.

Some of the protesting youths were later arrested and will be charged to court for prosecution to serve as deterrent to others.

Addressing Journalists on the issue Niger state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago said the situation has been brought under control and that they arecon top of the matter.

He said he has spoken to the Vice President Kashim Shattima and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and they on the same page as regards to issues of improving welfare of Nigerlites and Nigerians and the protection of lives and properties.

According to him it was the handiwork of cartel  trying to sabotage government efforts by instigating hoodlums to attack and loot some trailers loaded with food items from Southern part of Nigeria to Abuja but however expressesd happiness that security agencies have averted such problem.

Alh Mohammed Umar Bago who attributed the high cost of prices of commodities to mopping up of their food items by speculators however said Niger state government has banned mass purchase of grains by people coming from other parts of the state with truck and that any one arrested will have such grains confiscated and shared to Nigerlites. 

He directed traditional rulers and Local Government Area Chairmen to monitor the negative trend and ensure compliance with the order towards bringing soccur and relief to people of the state.

Alh Mohammed Umar Bago lamented that several attempts by Niger state government to purchase grains for sale to the poor at a subsidise rate has been sabotage by cartels who do not want anything good for Nigerlites and Nigerians.

Report by Lawal Wali