#EndSARS: Rice millers count losses to hoodlums’ attack, looting

RICE millers under the auspices of Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, RIMAN, Thursday, disclosed huge losses to hoodlums’ attack and looting under the guise of #EndSARS protest

The statement reads in part, “Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, RIMAN, is taken a back at the devastating destruction, looting carried out against its members, amongst whom are Shamad Rice Mill Yola, Glams Foods Lagos and several others by hoodlums and miscreants under the guise of Endsars peaceful protest in the country recently.

“This act is condemnable, highly regrettable and insensitive, regrettably, during these attacks, Tons of milled Rice, Paddy, furniture machines equipment and operational vehicles at the premises, of these Rice mills were destroyed and looted while some parts of buildings were set ablaze. At the moment these rice mills factories are in rubbles.

“RIMAN is therefore shocked and sad at the level of the havoc that was carried out on these Rice Mills and other government and private properties within the country.

“The resultant impacts on these Rice mills will create some deficits in our members contribution to the National Food Security and Rice Value Chain, as the affected Rice mills will be shut down for a while at this critical period with huge debts to pay.”

However, the association called on government to intervene by assisting them with funds to bounce back in order for the rice value chain not to suffer, if not will lead to high cost of rice and many Nigerians would not be able to afford the commodity.

“RIMAN therefore calls on Government to as a matter of urgency, assist the Rice millers with funds to rebuild and restock to commence their operations, as most of them, took bank facilities to answer the call by government to add to National Food Security deficit, particularly on rice self-sufficiency in the country.

“RIMAN also appeals to government to provide adequate security coverage to Rice mills under threat, in order to avert future occurrence”, it demanded.