The Global Food Initiative, a discounted food scheme operating in Osogbo, Osun state, has been hit by looting after its operators suddenly disappeared. The scheme, which offered essential food items at drastically reduced prices, had attracted massive patronage across the state. Customers were required to pay in advance for their orders, with promised pickup dates. However, following the operators' disappearance, hoodlums invaded the store, carting away food items. The incident has left customers frustrated and fearing financial loss.
According to eyewitnesses, the hoodlums gained access to the store after noticing that the security vehicle had left the premises. They were spotted at the outlet, claiming to sympathize with victims whose items were not supplied before the operators' disappearance. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many residents expressing disappointment and frustration. The Global Food Initiative had offered a range of food items, including rice, semovita, spaghetti, and vegetable oil, at significantly lower prices than the market rate.
Several residents have blamed a popular local radio anchor for triggering the collapse of the scheme. The presenter, who heads a private radio station in Osogbo, had warned listeners during a broadcast on Sunday that the initiative was a scam destined to collapse, predicting that its operators would flee. This warning sparked panic and apprehension among customers, leading some to storm the outlet on Monday, demanding their goods or money, well before their scheduled pickup dates.
A customer, who identified herself as Tosin, explained that the panic drove people to demand their goods or money back, forcing the operators to abandon their plans to distribute a trailer full of food items on Monday. The operators had brought the trailer to the outlet but were unable to open due to fears of being lynched. Another victim, Tony Edward, urged people not to stoke ethnic tension over the incident, as rumors began circulating regarding the operator's Igbo heritage.
Tony Edward, an Igbo man himself, revealed that he had invested millions of naira in the scheme and was not spared from the losses. He emphasized the need for calm and cautioned against fueling ethnic tensions. Another buyer, Anosike, displayed receipts for unfulfilled orders marked "not yet supplied," highlighting the extent of the financial losses incurred by customers.
The Global Food Initiative had offered steep discounts on essential food items, attracting hundreds of residents, including local traders who bought in bulk for resale. For instance, the company offered a 50kg bag of rice for N27,000, compared to the market rate of N55,000 to N60,000, and a 25-liter keg of cooking oil for N30,000, against the prevailing market price of N65,000. These discounts led many to invest their savings in the scheme, which ultimately led to their financial distress.
Frustration and grief swept through the crowd outside the locked Odi-Olowo premises as customers realized operations had ground to a halt without warning. Many customers are now left fearing that their money is lost for good. However, it was observed that some customers had left the place before the invasion by the hoodlums. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of customers' investments in such schemes.
Key points
- The operators of the Global Food Initiative disappeared suddenly, leaving customers in financial distress.
- A local radio anchor's warning that the scheme was a scam may have triggered the collapse.
- The incident has sparked concerns about ethnic tension and the safety of customers' investments.
