#EndBadGovernance: 6 feared dead as protest turns bloody in Niger State

At least six people have reportedly been killed, and several others injured during ongoing protests in Suleja, Niger State.

The fatalities occurred as security operatives attempted to dislodge a group of protesters who had mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, causing significant disruption to traffic and trapping passengers and motorists for hours.

Among the deceased was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered. A nephew of Isah recounted that his uncle was not participating in the protest but was merely passing by when he was fatally hit in the chest by a stray bullet.

“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.”

SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that some hoodlums had attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area (LGA) ablaze but were dispersed by security operatives. He assured that the Kaduna road and toll gate were cleared.

“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.”