Obasempire reports that the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) in the Katsina State Command have recovered 2,000 bags of rice from the 20 trucks provided to the state by the Federal Government.
The retrieved rice was reportedly misappropriated by certain government officials.
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The Federal Government’s donation aimed to alleviate the impact of the current economic difficulties in the country.
SSS officials in the state, who confirmed the adverse development, chose not to provide further details and preferred to remain anonymous.
An investigation revealed that the 25kg bags of rice were stored in a warehouse at the Central Market in Katsina.
The discovery came after individuals notified the DSS on Wednesday night, prompting an immediate response.
Abdulrahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, expressed astonishment at the incident.
Mr. Abdullahi criticized how the Federal Government’s aid, intended for the needy, was reportedly redirected by some unscrupulous individuals.
He pledged to pursue the case until it reaches a proper resolution.
He also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the situation and penalize those responsible for the diversion.
Additionally, Katsina resident Suleiman Kofar-Durbi commented that the situation is regrettable.
“It is unfortunate that I received the information yesterday night that the President provided relief to the vulnerable and some people diverted it.
“People are experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation in the country, the government should investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book,” he said.
The Chairman, Market Traders Association, Shehu Usman, said that the rice was brought into the market by someone who was not a trader.
“Someone asked his brother to keep the rice for him in his stores in the market.
“We are calling on our members to be careful in receiving such items from people outside for keeping in the market,” he said.
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Responding to the matter, the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Dikko Radda, Aliyu Abdullahi, said the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.
He said, “The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal to keep it and he decided to take the rice to the market for safe keeping.
“The rice allocated to the minister were 1, 200 bags.”
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