A wave of unrest swept through Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as customers of a discounted foodstuff scheme looted the warehouse of Global Food Initiative. The development occurred after the facility was shut and the operators became unreachable. Videos obtained by Daily Trust showed residents removing food items from the warehouse, including bags of rice and kegs of groundnut oil. The crowd had gathered in front of the warehouse for hours before suddenly breaking loose.
The incident was a culmination of growing frustration among customers who had paid in advance for discounted food items. The scheme, which began operations about three weeks ago, offered a 50kg bag of rice for ₦27,000, 25 litres of vegetable oil for ₦30,000, and a pack of spaghetti for ₦10,000. Customers were required to pay in advance and return after seven days to collect their goods. However, the operators reportedly shut the premises and became unreachable, sparking widespread anger.
Some customers reportedly made significant payments, with one woman claiming she paid ₦300,000 for 11 bags of rice. Another customer said she paid ₦1.2 million for food items intended for her stepdaughter’s wedding. The number of affected customers and the total amount collected could not be independently confirmed. The operators have remained unreachable, leaving customers without their goods or refunds.
The situation drew the attention of the Osun State Police Command, which deployed officers to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the police became aware of the situation after arriving at the scene. At the time, nobody had formally reported the incident. “We are monitoring the situation to avoid crisis,” he said.
The looting incident occurred a day after hundreds of customers gathered at the premises demanding food items they had paid for or refunds. The customers’ agitation turned violent when they broke into the warehouse, carting away food items. The police deployment helped to restore some order, but the situation remains volatile.
Global Food Initiative’s scheme had attracted a large following due to its discounted prices. However, the operators’ sudden disappearance has left many customers feeling deceived. The incident has raised concerns about the regulation of such schemes and the need for customers to exercise caution when making advance payments.
The aftermath of the incident will likely lead to increased scrutiny of Global Food Initiative and similar schemes. Authorities may investigate the circumstances surrounding the operators’ disappearance and the handling of customer funds. Customers, on the other hand, are left to pick up the pieces and seek redress for their losses.
Key points
- Customers loot warehouse of Global Food Initiative in Osogbo after operators shut facility and become unreachable.
- The scheme offered discounted food items, but operators reportedly shut premises and became unreachable.
- The Osun State Police Command deployed officers to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
