Some youths believed to be political thugs numbering over 200 on Friday went on the rampage in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and vandalised property estimated at millions of naira.
The assailants were protesting against last Saturday’s governorship election results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state.
They reportedly invaded the local government secretariat which was renovated recently, destroying doors, windows, toilet fittings, furniture, and a vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The state governor, Umaru Al-Makura, who visited the scene to ascertain the extent of damage done to public property, described the action of the attackers as unfortunate.
According to him, those whose trade in stock is to foment trouble in the state should have a rethink as the government would not continue to fold its arms and watch public property destroyed and lives of the citizens threatened.
Consequently, the traditional ruler of Karu, Esu Karu, Luka Baba, who also visited the secretariat, described the incident as sad.
He said, “It is sad for the people to take the law into their own hands to this extent. They must avoid breaching the law and peace of the country. I condemn the destruction of the newly renovated Karu Local Government secretariat complex by these hoodlums over the outcome of the polls. This act is very sad. I am appealing for tolerance as development is better than chaos.”
The Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Akala, said things worth millions of naira were vandalised by the hoodlums.