National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
A truck carrying Ramadan palliative food items, reportedly donated by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was intercepted and looted by a group of youths in Gombe State.
The incident, which took place during the distribution process, has sparked discussions about rising economic hardship and growing discontent among young people in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the youths forcefully emptied the truck, making away with essential food supplies, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta.
The looted items were part of a 3,500-carton consignment intended for distribution as part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative.
Seyi Tinubu has been touring northern states, including Gombe, as part of his Ramadan outreach, aiming to support communities during the fasting period.
However, the incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of food palliatives as a long-term solution to economic challenges in the region.
Critics, including Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of the Bauchi State Governor, argue that while the gesture is commendable, it falls short of addressing the real needs of northern youths.
“We need sustainable empowerment programs—jobs, business support, and vocational training—not just temporary food relief,” Mohammed stated.
The looting highlights growing frustration among young people grappling with unemployment and economic hardship.
It also raises concerns about whether political outreach efforts like these can effectively address the underlying issues driving unrest.
So far, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not issued an official statement on the incident.
