Looting of palliatives: Lawan urges security agencies to arrest, prosecute hoodlums

The Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan on Monday called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the wanton destruction and looting of both public and private property.

Senator Lawan in a statement personally signed by him in Abuja on Monday expressed dismay at the hijack of the recent protests by criminals who used the opportunity to embark on massive looting and destruction of public and private assets.

He however condoled the families of victims of the violence that paralysed parts of the country for days; even as he called for a thorough investigation into acts of criminality.

He especially paid tributes to security agents who lost their lives in the line of duty for their country while urging security agencies to restrain hoodlums and perpetrators of the acts immediately.

“I send my condolences to the families of our security and law enforcement agents who have made the Supreme sacrifices in the course of their service to their fatherland.

“I also call for a thorough investigation of every criminal act that we have witnessed in the past few weeks with a view to bringing to justice all those elements who have so callously destroyed public and private property.

“I call on our patriotic youths to leave the streets as government has heard their voices and is addressing their grievances.

“This is also necessary to avoid unwittingly continuing to provide covers for the criminals and fifth columnists in our midst.

“However, as regards those criminal elements unleashing terror on our cities under the guise of the protest, I urge the security agencies to forthwith but with utmost restraint, restore law and order across the country and bring the criminals to justice.”