Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has declared a curfew over Ilorin, the state capital, hours after security forces opened fire on people looting food items from a warehouse, killing at least six.

Those injured in the violence were taken to the hospitals across the city, witnesses told Peoples Gazette.

Residents had besieged a warehouse that they believed was holding a large chunk of COVID-19 palliatives outside the capital on Friday afternoon, looting food items for several hours. 

Security forces were called in and promptly killed many as they attempted to disperse people from the warehouse. The food items were believed hoarded from the public by public officials with the intent to steal it rather than distribute as a succour for the economic hardship imposed by coronavirus.

In a broadcast at 11:30 p.m. Mr. Abdulrazaq said everyone in the capital should stay at home from midnight, noting that the curfew would last for at least 24 hours. 

Officials said the governor had ordered an investigation into the killing of civilians over the chaotic looting of food items.