#EndBadGovernance Demonstrators numbering four have been reported killed, and several others injured during ongoing protests in Suleja, Niger State.
The incident occurred after protesters blocked the road, leaving passengers and motorists stranded for hours.
The fatalities resulted from clashes between security operatives and protesters who had erected barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Among the victims was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered.
A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust, “He was my uncle. He wasn’t even protesting; he was just passing by 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, identified only as Mallam Abu, also died at the scene. Additional reports indicated that three others were shot at the same location, while two more were shot at Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though their conditions remain unconfirmed.
A local shop owner near the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division stated that he had to close his shop and flee for safety amid the chaos. Bala Abdullahi, another resident, described the situation as dire, with gunshots heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, reported that hoodlums attempted to set fire to the Tafa Local Government Area but were dispersed by security operatives. This suggests that the protest has taken a violent turn in the state.
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