PeakNews Online
Suleja, Niger State – At least six people have reportedly been killed and several others injured during the ongoing protests in Suleja, Niger State.
The violence erupted as security operatives struggled to dislodge a group of protesters who had mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
The protests have caused significant disruptions, with passengers and motorists trapped on the road for hours, as earlier reported by Daily Trust. Policemen at the barricade were initially unable to control the protesters, who vastly outnumbered them. A reinforcement team was later sent to the scene, leading to a chaotic confrontation.
Among the casualties was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was struck by a stray bullet while on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division where protesters had assembled. Isah’s nephew confirmed the tragic incident, stating that his uncle was not involved in the protest but was merely passing by when he was hit in the chest and died on the spot.
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported that three other people were shot at the same location, while two more were shot at Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though their conditions remain unconfirmed.
Bala Abdullahi, a resident whose shop is near the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, described the situation as chaotic, with gunshots heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. He added that the atmosphere in Suleja has become increasingly tense and dangerous.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, reported that some hoodlums also attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area (LGA) ablaze but were dispersed by security operatives. “The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, but they were dispersed by the police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate were cleared,” Abiodun said.
When contacted for further details, SP Wasiu Abiodun stated, “Let me verify and get back to you.”
