Looted Palliatives: Bayelsa Residents Feed On Expired Food Items For Survival

The removal of fuel subsidy has left Nigerians, particularly Bayelsans, in a state of hunger, poverty and survival by any means.

The federal government had earlier announced the distribution of N5billion as relief package and five trucks of palliatives to the 36 states of the federation including the FCT. Bayelsa State has received N2billion and two trucks of food items, but the state government has kept mute on distribution of the palliatives in spite of sufferings caused by hike in prices of food and transportation.

With the recent invasion of a privately-owned warehouse by some residents in Yenagoa, and subsequent looting of expired food items, notably garri and rice which were remnants of the 2022 flood palliatives, there have been a lot of concern over the impending health danger and implications in consuming such food items that have been certified unfit for human consumption by the director general of Bayelsa State Emergency and Management Agency (BYSEMA), Hon. Walamam Sam Igrubia.

Oyo Begins N8.63bn Palliative Distribution Today

The continuous delay in distributing the federal government palliatives could possibly lead to social unrest, protests and insecurity if not addressed. The people already perceive the state government as being insensitive to their needs

According to the programme coordinator, Goldcoast Developmental Foundation, Miss Brenda Izu, level of hunger in the state has really increased resulting in residents looting the expired food items.

“The people did not mind if the food items were bad or expired, they just wanted to have them. Of course you know the health implications of eaten expired food. For BYSEMA), to have given such warning, it means the food items are not good for our health. 

“One way or the other, it may affect them. Not now probably later, it may affect their internal organs; kidney, liver, intestine and all that. Nobody knows because I am not in that field. But an expert will tell you those things are not good, that is why they usually write it in bold that this is when this thing will expire and if you eat it , there may be some health implications.

“Those food items were brought by government and other people during the flood for it to be extended to others. So if the items are not made available, the only option is to go and invade because people are hungry. 

“When you out there, see people begging you for food, for money. Of course, I have had one or two experiences of people coming to ask if I can give them food, they don’t have money, here in Bayelsa State,” she said.

The proprietress of St Michael Academy, Miss Dorcas Grant, who expressed her displeasure at the state government’s delay in distributing the palliatives, said that the food items looted were being hoarded. She says 85% of Bayelsa State population is poor, and natural disasters have worsened their plight.