The number of individuals arrested in connection with the looting of government institutions in the Northern Region has risen to 19.
These arrests were made across various locations in Tamale, the regional capital, where suspects were reportedly caught engaging in acts of vandalism and theft.
The incidents occurred after the Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate conceded defeat, triggering celebrations among National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters.
While some filled the streets of Tamale in jubilation, others turned their attention to looting and vandalizing public properties.
Government institutions targeted included the warehouse of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the Department of Agriculture, the home of the Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, and the Veterinary Offices.
At the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, looters stole a recently acquired tipper truck, a pickup truck, a water tanker, streetlight poles, fridges, and air conditioners.
They also carted away thousands of bags of rice and maize. From there, the looting spree continued to the Department of Veterinary Services, where drugs intended for animal vaccinations and office furniture were stolen.
The Department of Agriculture warehouse also suffered significant losses, with hundreds of bags of rice, maize, and agrochemicals looted. The looters used trucks and tricycles to transport the stolen items, leaving the compound littered with debris.
Speaking to Myjoyonline.com, the Director of Agriculture, Hawa Musah expressed deep concern over the theft, as the stolen food items were meant to support women farmers affected by a devastating dry spell earlier this year.
“We received 2,000 bags of rice and 1,000 bags of maize to assist smallholder women farmers who lost everything in the dry season. These items were stored at the warehouse for distribution, but now they have been taken away,” she lamented.
She also noted that post-harvest chemicals, motorbike parts, and helmets stored at the warehouse were among the stolen items.
The police and military were deployed to control the chaos, but Hawa Musah pleaded for continued security presence to prevent further looting.
“We are urging the military and police to remain on guard until the situation calms down. If they leave, the looters might return,” she warned.