Four trapped to death as thousands storm warehouse in Kogi to loot palliatives

Four persons were feared dead yesterday afternoon in Kogi State as hundreds of residents stormed a warehouse in Lokoja in search of COVID-19 palliatives.

The warehouse, located along the Murtala Muhammed Way, close to Kpata market, was invaded as early as 7:00a.m. The fatalities, it was gathered, resulted from stampede by residents who rushed to the government warehouse.

The Kogi State Government had last week commenced distribution of COVID-19 palliatives to 21 local government areas. Each local government area got at least one trailer load of palliative items, including rice, semovita, noodles and pastas in 10 kilogram packs.

A source at the scene told newsmen the casualties were recorded despite warnings by security personnel deployed to the area that residents should maintain peace and avoid anything that may lead to stampede.