Hoodlums attack Red Cross office, set vehicles on fire amid protests

In a distressing turn of events, the Red Cross office located in Gujba, along Maiduguri-Potiskum Road in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, has been attacked by hoodlums.

The incident resulted in the destruction of property and the torching of a vehicle.

Footage and images depict the burning vehicle, alongside a damaged Red Cross-branded Land Cruiser and a bus with shattered windows.

The attack coincided with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests sweeping across the nation, though it remains uncertain if the violence was directly linked to these demonstrations.

Previously, it was reported that the Yobe State Police Command had apprehended 18 individuals in connection with violent protests and acts of vandalism that took place in Nguru, Potiskum, and Gashua towns on Thursday.

According to Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesperson, the suspects disguised as peaceful protesters but engaged in arson and theft of public property.

Chima Nwankwo, Coordinator of Communications and Advocacy for the Nigerian Red Cross Society, confirmed the attack when contacted on Friday.

“The office was attacked around 1pm today. Several of our properties, including air conditioners and vehicles, were destroyed. Some items were stolen, and our cars were set on fire, but thankfully, there were no casualties,” Nwankwo stated.

He described the perpetrators as a “mob” with unclear intentions, noting that they appeared solely to cause damage.

Nwankwo also confirmed that the relevant authorities have been informed of the incident.