Looting erupts as youths hijack Seyi Tinubu’s ramadan palliative in Gombe

A group of angry youths in Gombe State has looted Ramadan palliatives reportedly sent by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Seyi Tinubu, who has been visiting northern states for Iftar (the breaking of fast) with political leaders and residents, usually launches Ramadan feeding programs for the less privileged during his visits. However, this initiative has drawn mixed reactions online, with many questioning its long-term impact.

Netizens React: “The North Deserves More”

On social media, critics have argued that the northern region deserves more than just palliative handouts. Among those who voiced their concerns is Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, who urged Seyi to focus on sustainable empowerment instead of food donations.

“Please, when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment, Keke NAPEP, funds to start businesses, ICT infrastructure, and crypto trading training,” he wrote on Facebook.

He added, “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.”

While Seyi Tinubu is yet to personally visit Gombe, his Ramadan palliatives had reportedly arrived in the state. The situation took a dramatic turn when some youths intercepted a truck carrying the food items and looted its contents.

In a video circulating on social media, youths were seen throwing cartons of food supplies—including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta—from a parked truck while others on the ground scrambled to grab them.

Two trucks, reportedly loaded with 3,500 cartons of food, had been allocated to Gombe. While one was successfully distributed, the second truck was hijacked before the items could reach the intended beneficiaries.

Seyi Tinubu’s visits to the north, branded as Ramadan outreach under the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement initiative, have been viewed by some political observers as a strategic move to solidify his father’s influence in the region ahead of future elections.

Reports suggest that dissatisfaction over the distribution process—allegedly conducted at the APC Secretariat—may have fueled the looting incident, with some groups feeling sidelined.