At least six people have been reported killed, and several others injured, during an ongoing protest in Suleja, Niger State.
The victims were caught in the crossfire as security operatives attempted to clear a blockade set up by protesters on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
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Daily Gazette had previously reported that passengers and motorists were stranded on the highway for hours due to the protest.
Initial attempts by police officers to control the large crowd of youths failed, prompting the deployment of additional security forces to the scene, which led to the tragic escalation.
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Among the deceased was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road in Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered.
According to his nephew, Yahaya was not participating in the protest but was passing by when he was fatally struck in the chest by the bullet.
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“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 in the chest, and he died on the spot. As I speak with you, I am in his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate,” his nephew told Daily Gazette.
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died instantly at the scene.
Reports from residents indicate that three more people were shot at the same location, and two others were shot near Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though their current conditions are unknown.
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Bala Abdullahi, a local shop owner near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, described the chaotic situation, stating, “We heard people shouting and gunshots for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly.” Abdullahi closed his shop and fled to safety amid the violence.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area building ablaze but were dispersed by police and military forces.
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“The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, but they were dispersed by the police and military. The Kaduna road and toll gate were cleared,” he said.
When contacted for further information, Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, stated, “Let me verify and get back to you.”
However, no additional response had been received by the time of filing this report.
