Kwara gov meets owners of businesses looted by mob

October 27

23:31 2020

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AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governor of Kwara state, has assured owners of businesses affected by the looting incident of the government’s support to get them back on track.

AbdulRazaq made the promise when he met with business owners affected by the recent violence in the sate.

Last Friday, some mobs had attacked a warehouse suspected to contain COVID-19 palliatives and went away with food items.

Mobs also carted away various goods and food stuff at Shoprite Mall; FEMTECH (also a private-owned mall in Ilorin); Palms Mall at Fate Road, Ilorin; Lifemate Furniture; Kwara Agro Mall, among other stores.

The governor had earlier announced N500m recovery funds to assist businesses affected in the incident.

He explained that the government stepped in to help because of the role small and medium scale businesses play in economic development.

In a statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, his chief press secretary, AbdulRazaq urged the victims to register on the state website as they had earlier been advised.

He added that modalities are in place to ensure that only people with genuine cases benefit.

“Your sector is really important to this government. That is why we decided to engage you when we saw what happened to bring you back as quickly as possible,” AbdulRazaq said.

“On our part we have the modalities for what we want to do. That is why we asked you to go to the website and fill the form. We mentioned a number as the amount to assist you. It could be more than that. It may be lower than that. But that is the benchmark. When we look at the data you send in and your claims, we will decide who to give grant to and those we will give interest-free loan to.

“We are also talking to one or two banks to make funds available for interest-free loans, with long term repayment plans.”

He condemned the attempts to politicise the incident from some quarters, adding that whatever political ambitions anyone may have are achievable only in a stable and peaceful environment.

The police command in Kwara on Tuesday said 144 suspected hoodlums who disguised as #ENDSARS protesters to loot government and private property in the state.