At least four people have reportedly been killed and several others injured during an ongoing protest in Suleja, Niger State.
This occurred shortly after protesters barricaded the road, trapping numerous passengers and motorists for hours.
The victims were allegedly killed as security operatives attempted to disperse the protesters who had erected barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
One of the deceased, Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road in Suleja, was struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered, according to DAILY TRUST.
A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust, “He was my uncle. He wasn’t even protesting; he was just passing in front of 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 simply as Mallam Abu, also died at the scene.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, informed Daily Trust that three other people were shot at the same location, and two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though he could not confirm whether they were dead.