Tension in Gombe as Youths Loot Seyi Tinubu’s Ramadan Palliatives

Some youths in Gombe State have reportedly looted Ramadan palliatives meant for distribution as part of an outreach initiative by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Seyi Tinubu has been touring northern states during the Ramadan period, joining residents and political figures for Iftar (the breaking of fast) and launching feeding programmes aimed at supporting the less privileged. However, the initiative has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with critics and supporters expressing divergent views.

While some have welcomed the gesture, others argue that the northern region deserves more sustainable forms of empowerment rather than temporary food aid. Critics say the palliatives — which typically include items like rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta — are insufficient and fail to address the region’s long-term needs.

Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, voiced his disapproval in a Facebook post. He urged Seyi Tinubu to focus on more impactful empowerment schemes, stating:

“Please, when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment, Keke NAPEP, start-up capital for businesses, ICT infrastructure, and crypto trading training.

We, the youths of Bauchi, don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan. Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day. They are not beggars.”

Though Seyi Tinubu has yet to visit all northern states, palliatives from his programme had already arrived in Gombe. In a video circulating online, some agitated youths were seen looting cartons of food items from a truck parked by the roadside. They were seen tossing the cartons — containing rice, oil, salt, sugar, and pasta — to eager individuals on the ground, who quickly made away with them.

Two trucks carrying 3,500 cartons of the palliative items were reportedly sent to Gombe. While one truck’s contents were distributed, the second was intercepted by angry youths who emptied its load.

The palliative distribution in Gombe had earlier commenced at the state APC Secretariat. However, reports suggest that some individuals who felt excluded from the process may have sabotaged the programme, leading to the looting.

Seyi Tinubu’s visits and outreach have been described as part of a Ramadan initiative and the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) programme. However, some observers view them as politically strategic moves to bolster President Tinubu’s support in northern Nigeria, where signs of resistance to his re-election bid are reportedly emerging.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has yet to comment on the incident or respond to media inquiries regarding the disruption in Gombe.