Several Protesters Reportedly Shot Dead In Niger
At least four people have reportedly been killed, while several others sustained injuries during the ongoing protest in Suleja, Niger State.
This comes a moment after protesters barricaded the road, trapping many passengers and motorists for hours.
A nephew of the deceased said “He was my uncle. He wasn’t even protesting; he was just passing in front of the Police ‘A’ Division when a stray bullet hit him in the chest, and he died on the spot. As I speak with you, I am at his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate.”
Another victim was identified simply as Mallam Abu, who also died at the scene.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, informed that three other people were shot at the same location while two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though he could not confirm whether they were dead.
Another resident, whose shop was located near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, stated that he had to close his shop and flee for his life.
“We heard people shouting, and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is dire,” said Bala Abdullahi, another resident.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said that some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area ablaze, but they were dispersed by security operatives.
This indicates that the protest had taken a fierce dimension in the state.
Abuja Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh confirmed that a protest has been hijacked by hoodlums in the Nation’s capital not far from Niger State.
