BREAKING:
Protesters Shot Dead in Niger State as Demonstrations Turn Bloody
From PAULINE PODKA, Abuja
No fewer than six persons were reportedly shot dead and several others injured in the ongoing protest against bad governance in Suleja, Niger State.
The victims were shot by bullets fired by security operatives attempting to disperse a group of protesters who had barricaded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters, mostly youths, had outnumbered the initial team of policemen at the scene, prompting a reinforcement team to be deployed.
Pentoks News gathered that the situation quickly spiralled out of control, leading to pandemonium.
Among the victims was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division.
“He was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ Division when a stray bullet hit him on the chest, and he died on the spot.”
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died instantly. Witnesses reported that three others were shot at the same scene, while two more were injured at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road.
According to a source close to Suleja, the police released teargas in an attempt to disperse the protesters.
This action angered the youths, who maintained they had no intention of violence.
The youths began throwing stones, sticks, and other objects at the Police, vandalising a Police vehicle attached to the Area Commander’s office (registration number NPF 9102C).
The youths then followed the Police to the Area Commander’s office and attempted to storm the station, but were prevented by heavily armed officers.
The confrontation escalated, resulting in the police using live ammunition, killing three youths instantly.
“I can tell you that the number of those who sustained bullet injuries are more than 15, and we don’t know if they will survive it,” the source disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Police have yet to comment on the killings.
The Area Commander reportedly denied knowledge of the deaths until he was taken to a healthcare centre where the victims were confirmed dead.
This incident followed an attempt by youths to block the busy Kaduna-Abuja highway on Tuesday ahead of the protests, which was also dispersed by the police.