The Aso Rock Burglary: An Explainer

Yesterday, online news platform, People’s Gazette, published an exclusive article about a break-in in Aso Rock. Yet again, Nigerians question their security and the government’s ability to ensure that its citizens’ lives and properties are protected.

What’s the report on the robbery?
Armed robbers were said to have gained access to the houses of Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff, and Abubakar Maikano, Admin Officer. The incident, which occurred on May 9, resulted in the two government officials having to vacate their homes. Reportedly, the robbers carted away many valuable items from both houses.

What reaction has this got?
After People’s Gazette published the article, Bashir Ahmed took to his Twitter account, saying that the news was false. Contradicting this, Garba Shehu, media spokesperson to the president, confirmed that there had indeed been a burglary. However, he said that it was an unsuccessful attempt and not the field day that People’s Gazette reported.

Garba Shehu later went on to tweet about the robbery at Maikano’s residency. Notably, he said the attack on Maikano’s house was last week Thursday. He said that the suspects had been caught on camera and that a police investigation was underway. Shortly after, the tweet was deleted and replaced with another. The new tweet was the same but did not contain the detail about the suspects being caught on CCTV.

What should we expect?
A more comprehensive report is expected because Nigerians are anxious about their safety if the supposedly most secure place in the country can be attacked so easily.