At least six people have reportedly been killed and several others injured during the ongoing protest in Suleja, Niger State.
The victims were said to have been killed while security operatives struggled to dislodge a group of protesters who had mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Policemen at the barricade were outnumbered by the protesters, prompting a reinforcement team to be sent to the scene, where chaos ensued. Among the victims was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had gathered.
A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust: “He was my uncle. He was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division where some people were protesting when a stray bullet hit him on his chest and he died. As I speak with you, I am in his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate.”
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died on the spot. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that three other people were shot at the same scene, while two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road. It is unclear if the other victims have succumbed to their injuries.
A local shopkeeper near the Suleja Police “A” division, Bala Abdullahi, recounted: “We heard people shouting and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly.” He added that he had to close his shop and run for his life.
Spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, reported that some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze but were dispersed by security operatives. “The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze; they were dispersed by the Police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate were cleared,” he said.
When contacted, Wasiu Abiodun, Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, said, “Let me verify and get back to you.” However, he had not responded as of the time of filing this report.