By kawaekwune Jeffrey
At least six people have been reportedly killed, and several others injured, in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest in Suleja, Niger State. The tragedy occurred during a clash between security operatives and protesters who had set up barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
The victims were said to have been killed as security forces attempted to disperse the protesters. This expectedly triggered a massive gridlock and blockade on the road.
According to earlier reports both passengers and motorists were trapped on the road for hours due to the blockade. But the number of policemen were initially few compared with the crowd. The outnumbered policemen initially struggled to control the situation, but they were said to be helpless, a development which prompted the deployment of a reinforcement team.
One of the deceased, Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, was said to have been struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike near the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had gathered. His nephew confirmed the tragic incident, stating:”He was not even protesting. He was passing by when a stray bullet hit him on the chest, and he died on the spot.”
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also reportedly died instantly. Eyewitnesses reported that three other individuals were shot at the same location, while two more were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road. It remains unconfirmed whether or not these additional victims survived.
Reacting to this development, local residents described the scene as chaotic. Bala Abdullahi, a shop owner near the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, recounted the experience thus: “We heard people shouting and gunshots for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly.”
SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command however told the media that some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area building ablaze but were dispersed by police and military forces. “The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, but they were dispersed by the Police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate were cleared,”
The violent confrontation in Suleja underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the #EndBadGovernance protests, which have garnered significant support on social media. As the protests continue, the government’s response and the actions of security forces will be closely scrutinized. The tragic deaths and injuries in Niger State highlight the urgent need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to address the grievances of the protesters and prevent further loss of life.
