The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says its operatives apprehended seven suspected miscreants during the fuel price hike protest.
News About Nigeria reports that some commercial drivers in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, on Thursday staged a protest against the outrageous fuel price.
Over the week, there were noticeable price hike observed at different NNPC fuel stations, with petrol selling for N855 per litre, up from the previous price of around N600.
According to a statement released by Ayoola Michael, the public relations officer of NSCDC in Kwara, the suspects allegedly engaged in illegal and violent behaviour during the protest.
Michael said 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.”
Upon receiving the report, NSCDC operatives arrested seven suspected miscreants involved in unlawful and violent conduct, as well as mischief, during a protest by commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders in Ilorin on the same day.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspects were part of the group of hoodlums responsible for terrorising and causing public unrest in Ilorin, particularly the Sango area.
The protest was hijacked by thugs who exploited the situation, engaging in the theft of personal belongings such as bags, phones, and other valuable items, leading to increased unrest in the Ilorin metropolis.
The NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Umar Mohammed, assured the people of the state that the command remains firmly committed to upholding public order.
Mohammed added that the command will continue to take decisive measures against any individual or groups involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the state.
Michael noted that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.
