Tension as 6 Protesters Reportedly Shot Dead In Niger State
- At least six persons protesting against hunger and economic hardship have been shot dead in Suleja, Niger state
- The victims were hit with bullets by security operatives struggling to dislodge protesters who blocked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway
- The 10-day nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest over hunger and economic hardship commenced today, August 1
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro and government policy
Suleja, Niger state - No fewer than six protesters have been reportedly killed while some sustained injuries in Suleja, Niger state.
The tragic incident occurred while security operatives were struggling to dislodge protesters who mounted barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Source: Getty Images
As reported by Daily Trust, one of the victims, Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, was hit by a stray bullet.
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The bullet reportedly hit Isa on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division where protesters had assembled.
Isah's nephew said the victim was on his bike when the bullet fired to disperse the protesters hit him on his chest and he died on the spot.
“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."
One of the residents who spoke on condition of anonymity said 3 other people were shot at the same scene while 2 others were shot at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road.
He, however, could not confirm if other victims were dead.
Over 15 protesters with bullet wounds have been taken to different health facilities in the area, including Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, for treatment, The Sun reports.
Protesters overpower security forces on Abuja-Kaduna highway
Legit.ng earlier reported that hundreds of travellers are stuck at the Suleja section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Niger State due to protesters blocking a section of the road.
Abubakar Ibrahim reported that his vehicle had been delayed for over two hours near Gauraka Junction, with the traffic jam extending several kilometres.
Ibrahim noted that only a few policemen are present from a distance but are unable to address the roadblock effectively due to the large number of protesting youths.
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Source: Legit.ng
