Many killed as police open fire on protesters in Niger State

• In an attempt to dismantle the barricade and disperse the protesters, the security operatives fired live rounds at the demonstrators

The ongoing nationwide protest has turned bloody in Niger State after police officers opened fire on protesters.

At least four persons were killed during the police shooting of the unarmed protesters while several others sustained injuries.

Matters came to a head after the aggrieved protesters blocked a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, bringing vehicular activities to a halt and leaving passengers stranded for hours.

In an attempt to dismantle the barricade and disperse the protesters, the security operatives fired live rounds at the demonstrators, killing four.

According to DAILY TRUST, among those killed was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was struck by a stray bullet. The bullet hit him while he was on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered.

A nephew of the deceased confirmed the development saying: “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, who was identified simply as Mallam Abu, also died at the scene.

One resident, who spoke in confidence, disclosed that three other people were shot at the same location while two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road, though he could not confirm whether they were dead.

SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said that some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area ablaze, but they were dispersed by security operatives.

He was, however, silent on the killings of the protesters.

Abuja Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh confirmed that a protest has been usurped by thugs in the Nation’s capital not far from Niger State.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also confirmed the killings and vowed to take action.

the Chairman of Suleja branch of NBA, Abdullahi Liman, said he has been directed by the national president of the NBA, he had gone to the residence of one of deceased, Yahaya Nda Isah, to get credible information for further action.