#EndSARS: Hoodlums who vandalized NPA assets to face the law

CCTV footage of the mayhem unleashed at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos has been handed over to the appropriate authorities for the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators.

It will be recalled that in October, under the cover of participating in the #EndSARS protests, hoodlums had attacked, stolen and vandalised assets at the corporate headquarters of NPA and Tincan Island seaport, both in Lagos.

According to the NPA Managing Director, Hadiza  Bala-Usman, the Federal and Lagos State Governments have been handed the footages to facilitate prosecution of those behind the crimes.

Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise, on Friday, November 27, 2020, Bala-Usman disclosed that already seven suspects have been apprehended.

She said staff of the NPA were not involved in the attacks, saying “The CCTV footage did not indicate involvement of staff“

The attacks lasted for two hours before it was brought under control by the arrival of personnel of the Nigerian Navy.

Giving details account of the attack, the NPA boss said a policeman attached to TinCan Island Port,  who sustained injuries died in the Hospital some days after the attack.

The Managing Director reiterated that “Twenty-seven (27) vehicles, including cars, utility vehicles, pick up vans and staff buses were set on fire, while Thirty-three (33) other vehicles, twenty-two of which belong to members of staff were vandalised“.

Bala Usman explained that “All assets of the Authority are comprehensively insured, and insurers are currently undergoing an assessment of the damages“.

Bala Usman, who spoke on sundry issues, also emphasised the need for intermodal transport system as part of measures to ensure prompt clerance of goods from the seaports.

According to the NPA boss, the e-call up system is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2021 in partnership with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders.

Briefing Journalists, recently, Bala Usman commended the gallantry of all security personnel and “our firemen whose intervention restored normalcy.

“We also appreciate the concerns of all stakeholders and citizens who have reached out with kind words of support and encouragement.

“All stakeholders and the general public are hereby assured that the situation has not affected operations of the Authority in any way as we have continued to render our services unhindered”.