Urora, Benin — Anxiety gripped Urora in Benin, Edo State, on Thursday as residents looted a truckload of rice parked nearby on the first day of nationwide protests against poor governance and hunger.

A 40-second viral video shows locals running to a street in Urora and emerging with mini bags of rice. In the video, the person recording exclaims, “This is our rice that the government gave us, this is where they hid it. We have located it. This is Urora. Look at rice everywhere, come and collect your rice. Look at the rice that the Edo State Government gave us, this is where they hid it.”

Another resident mentioned the truck was parked behind Bethel Faith Secondary School, labeling the Edo State Government’s actions as cruel.

In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed little surprise at the revelation. Jarrett Tenebe, APC State Chairman, criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki, alleging that his administration had rebranded federal relief supplies as its own contributions.

“Last month, the Federal Government confirmed that 20 trucks of rice were distributed to the 36 states, including Edo. Yet, Obaseki has failed to account for them. He has repackaged the rice with Edo State insignia and falsely claimed them as donations from his administration,” Tenebe said.

He added that the governor’s alleged practices undermine public trust and deprive the people of necessary aid.

In contrast, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare refuted the APC’s claims. Nehikhare stated that the state government does not operate a warehouse in Urora and distributes relief materials through religious organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and the Edo State Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board.

“The videos circulating are said to have originated from Urora, but the state government does not have a warehouse there,” Nehikhare asserted. “The APC’s accusations are a malicious attempt to create unrest and score political points. We urge them to desist from such divisive tactics.”