6 killed as protests in Niger turn violent

At least six persons have lost their lives and multiple others have been injured amid ongoing protests in Suleja, located in Niger State.

The deaths occurred when security forces tried to clear a barricade set up by protesters on a stretch of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, leading to major traffic congestion and stranding passengers and drivers for several hours.

Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road in Suleja, was among those killed. He was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bicycle near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had converged. According to his nephew, Isah was not involved in the protest but was simply passing by when he was tragically hit in the chest by a stray bullet, resulting in his death.

“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 on his 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. Witnesses reported that three other individuals were shot at the same scene, and two more were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though their conditions could not be confirmed.

The protests escalated to a point where additional security forces had to be deployed to control the situation. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with gunshots heard for about 20 minutes at the Emir Roundabout, prompting many to flee for safety.

Bala Abdullahi, a local shop owner, shared, “We heard people shouting and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly.”

Wasiu Abiodun, the Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that security forces had successfully dispersed a group of hoodlums who attempted to set fire to the Tafa Local Government Area. He also reported that the situation had been brought under control, with the Kaduna road and toll gate being cleared and secured.

“The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, they were dispersed by the Police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate were cleared,” he said.

When contacted for further details, Wasiu Abiodun stated, “Let me verify and get back to you.”