At least four people have been reported killed and several others injured during the ongoing protest in Suleja, Niger State.
The violence erupted after protesters blocked roads, causing long delays for passengers and motorists. The fatalities occurred as security forces attempted to clear barricades set up on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
One of the victims, Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered, according to DAILY TRUST.
A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust, “He was my uncle. He wasn’t even protesting; he was just passing by the Police ‘A’ Division when a stray bullet hit him in the chest, and he died instantly. We’re now at his house with other mourners. It’s a tragic situation.”
Another victim was identified only as Mallam Abu, who also died at the scene.
An anonymous resident told Daily Trust that three other individuals were shot at the same location, while two more were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road. It remains unclear if the latter were killed.
A shop owner near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division described how he had to close his shop and flee due to the chaos.
“We heard shouting and gunshots for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is critical,” said Bala Abdullahi, a local resident.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, reported that some individuals attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area on fire but were dispersed by security forces, indicating the protest had escalated.
Josephine Adeh, Public Relations Officer for the Abuja Police Command, confirmed that the protest in the nation’s capital, not far from Niger State, had been taken over by hoodlums.