- The Kwara state commandant assured orderliness in the state.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of seven individuals suspected of causing trouble during a recent protest against high fuel prices.
Last Thursday, commercial drivers in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state, took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the sudden increase in fuel prices.
In the past week, fuel prices have skyrocketed at various NNPC stations, with petrol now selling for N855 per liter, a significant jump from the previous price of around N600.
According to Ayoola Michael, the NSCDC’s public relations officer in Kwara, the arrested suspects were allegedly involved in illegal activities and violent behavior during the protest.
Michael revealed that the suspects were part of a group of thugs causing chaos in certain areas of Ilorin.
“On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, one Olusegun Taiwo (F) of the Sango area, Ilorin, reported a case of criminal conspiracy and theft at the station office of the NSCDC Kwara State Command. She said that while on her way to her office on a motorcycle, she was attacked by a group of youths, suspected to be hoodlums, who forcefully took her bag, phones, and other valuables.”
Following the report, NSCDC operatives arrested seven suspected miscreants involved in unlawful activities during the protest by commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders in Ilorin.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspects are part of a group of hoodlums responsible for causing public unrest in Ilorin, particularly in the Sango area.
The protest was taken over by thugs who exploited the situation, stealing personal belongings and causing increased unrest in the Ilorin metropolis.
The NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Umar Mohammed, assured the people of the state that the command remains committed to maintaining public order.
Mohammed added that the command will continue to take decisive action against individuals or groups involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the state.
Michael noted that the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution according to the law.