Nigerians sympathised with and embraced SPAR, one of the largest supermarkets in the country, after thugs vandalised and looted its Lekki outlet in Lagos.

Following military shootings at Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday night, a crisis broke out in Lagos as thugs took advantage to loot and vandalise public and private businesses. 

In spite of the looting of its store that inflicted huge losses on its operations, SPAR remained magnanimous towards Nigerians, expressing its solidarity around the issues that triggered the crisis. 

“Our Lekki store has been vandalised and looted,” SPAR said in a tweet Thursday. “But, we acknowledge that this is only a setback compared to the larger issues we are all facing as a nation, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Nigerians everywhere, and for a peaceful resolution to various issues at hand.”

“Rebuilding a supermarket is hard. Rebuilding a nation is even harder. We stand with you Nigeria. Stay focused. Be the solution”, the superstore chain said.

The artful communication elicited immediate sympathy from Nigerians, who commended SPAR and promised to reciprocate by patronising its business. 

Comparing SPAR’s response to Nigerian government’s, Anthony Kila, a professor of strategy and development, said: “@SPARNigeria It appears @SPARNigeria supermarket has a better understanding of how to relate with Nigerians than Nigerian leaders. We shall overcome.

TuFace Idibia commended SPAR for its display of understanding despite the huge losses: “I Love your message @SPARNigeria. This was not meant to happen. Bless u for speaking this peaceful truth in the middle of your loss.”

Ikenna Ronald called on Nigerians to reciprocate SPAR’s kindness by mobilising to help clean the vandalised and looted store for free: “Guys, after the curfew ends, can we mobilise and go help the folks at @SPARNigeria clean up the Lekki store and surroundings at least, and for free?”

“Guys, we shop at Spar from now on. Right? Stand with those who stand with us. Right?” Ilemona Onoja, an Abuja-based lawyer, said.

SPAR did not immediately say whether or not its insurance was sufficient to cover the looting and vandalism.

No estimate has been published for the total losses incurred from looting and vandalism which stemmed from military attacks on protesters in Lagos on Tuesday night.