Six protesters have been reportedly shot dead in Suleja, Niger State during the hunger protest which commenced across the country on Thursday morning.
The protesters were shot when security operatives were attempting to dislodge a group of protesters who formed barricade on Abuja-Kaduna highway resulting in gridlock for several hours on the road.
The policemen were outnumbered by the youths making it difficult for the security agents to control the protesters. A reinforcement team sent to the scene resulted in pandemonium leading to the killing of the six protesters.
Among those killed was said to be Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit on the chest by a stray bullet fired by the police while on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division where protesters had assembled.
“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. As I speak with you, I am in his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate”, said a nephew of the deceased.
Another victim was simply identified as Mallam Abu also said died on the spot.
An eye witness said three other people were shot at the same scene while two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road.
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Reacting to the incident, spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, was quoted to have said some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze but they were dispersed by security operatives.
“The miscreants attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, they were dispersed by the Police and military. Kaduna road and toll gate was cleared”, he said.