Protest in Niger Turns Deadly: Multiple Fatalities Reported

By Peters Monday, Abuja

Suleja, Niger State – Tragedy struck today as a protest in Suleja, Niger State, turned violent, resulting in the loss of at least four lives and leaving several others injured.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were killed when security operatives attempted to disperse protesters who had erected barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

One of the victims, Yahaya Nda Isah, was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered. His nephew confirmed that Isah was not participating in the protest but was caught in the crossfire.

Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, died at the scene, while three others were shot at the same location. Two more individuals were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, but their status remains unknown.

The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, revealed that hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area ablaze but were dispersed by security operatives. Similarly, the Abuja Police Command confirmed that a protest was hijacked by hoodlums in the nation’s capital, near Niger State.

Residents described the situation in Suleja as dire, with people shouting and gunshots heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout.

More details later….