DSS ‘nabs’ persons diverting palliatives in Katsina 

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly apprehended persons suspected to be diverting hundreds of bags of rice allocated by the federal government for distribution to the less-privileged in Katsina State.

The suspects were arrested Wednesday night at the Katsina Central Market, while off-loading the commodity from trucks into several shops.

Recall that the federal government, a little over a week ago, announced that 740 rice trucks had been dispatched to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Of the consignments, each state got 20 trucks, with the commodity being expected in Katsina within the week.

But some of the palliatives were allegedly diverted, with as much as 2,000 bags reported to have been found in the shops where the commodity was stashed.

It was learnt that those arrested had given vital information to the security operatives to bust the syndicate.

It was also gathered that some government officials responsible for transportation and distribution of the commodity were fingered as accomplices.

Although, the DSS office or other security agencies in the state were yet to issue any statement on the matter, some shopowners at the market confirmed the incident to newsmen.

“Some people were arrested by security operatives over suspicion of diverting bags of rice which the federal government had sent to the state for distribution to the poor,” one of the traders, who craved anonymity,” a resident said.

He added that the shops, where the rice was stored, had been cordoned off, while the truck driver had also been apprehended.