DSS arrests Nasarawa gov’t officials for diverting palliatives

Some officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency have been arrested by the Department of State Services for diverting palliative offered by the State government.

Others arrested, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Spokesperson of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya were accomplices of the State officials, who diverted palliative meant for the vulnerable citizens in Nasarawa.

The statement said, the suspects were accused of selling the palliatives in the modern market in Lafia among others, while some items have been recovered after an investigation into the racket by the operatives.

Afunanya noted that similar operations were ongoing in other states of the federation.

The operation, Afunanya said, followed reports from some State government officials that palliatives meant for free distribution to the citizens were being diverted by some officials.

“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

“While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has, for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives meant for the vulnerable in the place.