Gombe State recently witnessed a dramatic turn of events as a truck loaded with Ramadan palliatives, reportedly sent by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was looted by a group of angry youths. What was intended as a benevolent act has now ignited controversy, criticism, and a heated debate on social media.
A CHARITABLE GESTURE OR POLITICAL STRATEGY?
Seyi Tinubu has been touring northern states, joining residents and political leaders for Iftar (breaking of fast) while launching a Ramadan feeding program aimed at assisting the less privileged. However, his initiative has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming it and others outright rejecting it as insufficient and misplaced.
Critics argue that the north deserves more than palliatives, calling for sustainable empowerment programs instead. Among those voicing their displeasure is Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of the Bauchi State Governor, who took to Facebook to criticize Seyi’s initiative.
“Please, when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment, Keke NAPEP, monies to start a business, ICT infrastructure, and training for crypto trading. 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.”
LOOTING IN GOMBE: FRUSTRATION OR SABOTAGE?
Despite the backlash, reports indicate that two trucks carrying 3,500 cartons of palliatives—including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta—were sent to Gombe State. While one truck’s contents were successfully distributed, the second truck fell into chaos as youths intercepted it, looting its supplies in broad daylight.
A video seen by Daily Trust captures dozens of young men clambering onto the truck, throwing cartons of food to eager hands below before making away with the stolen goods.
Sources suggest that the looting may have been a deliberate act of sabotage, allegedly orchestrated by those who felt excluded from the distribution process, which had been carried out at the state’s APC Secretariat.
POLITICAL UNDERCURRENTS AND THE RENEWED HOPE YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Seyi Tinubu’s northern tour has been framed as both a Ramadan outreach and part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) initiative. However, political analysts speculate that his presence in the region is a strategic move to strengthen his father’s political foothold, particularly amid rising tensions surrounding the President’s re-election prospects.
The APC has remained silent on the incident, leaving the public to question whether this initiative is truly about alleviating hardship or political positioning.
As northern youths express growing frustration, this incident in Gombe raises a bigger question: Is food relief the solution, or is it time for real, long-term economic empowerment?
