8 die in Jigawa, Niger as protesters raze APC secretariat

No fewer than eight persons killed and several others injured, yesterday, in Jigawa and Niger States. Two of the eight died along Shuwarin-Dutse Road, and in front of Govt House, Jutse, Jigawa State, as a team of security personnel patrol the capital to ward off protesters from destroying public buildings.

Consisting of youths, students, women and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the protesters, in their numbers, began procession as early as 8:00 a.m. through the streets and armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, including: ‘Enough is enough’ and ‘ We are tired of bad governance.’

A physical combat, however, ensured when the security on guard at the seat of power prevented the protesters from accessing Governor Umar Namadi to drive home their grievances.

Majority of the angry youths were teargassed and dispersed by the police, while others were throwing teargas and stones back at the officers. Amid the ensuing crisis, some of aggrieved protestants have demonstrators smuggled their way to vandalise and set the state headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on fire, while major offices, banks and schools, as well as businesses across Dutse were deserted as security forces take over the city. 

Similarly, the other six protesters were killed and others injured in Suleja, Niger State. The victims were said to have been killed while security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters, who barricaded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Passengers and motorists were trapped for hours. Some policemen, who were around the blockade, could not control the youths, who outnumbered them.

However, a reinforcement team was dispatched to the scene of pandemonium. Among those killed was said to be Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet.

The bullet reportedly hit Isa on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division where protesters had assembled. Another victim was simply identified as Mallam Abu, also said died on the spot. One of the residents, who craved anonymity, said three other persons were shot at the same scene, while two others were killed at Suleja Junction on the highway.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said some hoodlums also attempted to set the Tafa council area secretariat ablaze but 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 were cleared,” he said.