At least six people have reportedly been killed and several others injured during ongoing peaceful protests in Suleja, Niger State.
The violence erupted as security operatives attempted to disperse protesters who had mounted barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Passengers and motorists were trapped on the road for hours, unable to proceed as the protesters outnumbered the police initially present at the scene. A reinforcement team was dispatched, leading to chaotic scenes and further violence.
Among the deceased was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja. He was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had gathered. Isah’s nephew recounted the tragic incident, explaining that his uncle was not involved in the protest but was merely passing by when the bullet hit him in the chest, killing him instantly.
“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. As I speak with you, I am in his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate,” he said.
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died on the spot. Reports from local residents indicate that three other individuals were shot at the same location, and two more were injured at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road. However, the conditions of these additional victims remain unconfirmed.
Bala Abdullahi, a resident, described the terrifying scene near his shop close to the Suleja Police ‘A’ division. “We heard people shouting, and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly,” he said.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, reported that some hoodlums had attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area ablaze but were dispersed by police and military forces. “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 stated.
When contacted for further comments, Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer in Niger, promised to verify the details but had not responded by the time of this report.
