Breaking news: Three killed as protest changes tune in Minna
On the day 1 of the #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest, Three people have been killed in Minna, the Niger State capital.
In Suleja, Niger State, the nationwide hardship protest descended into violence when the police shot and killed at least three young people.
Approximately fifteen more people, who apparently suffered from different types of gunshot wounds, are in serious condition and have been transported to several local medical institutions, including Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, for further treatment.
Youths assembled for a nonviolent demonstration in the Suleja Old Motor Park, despite the early morning rain, which sparked trouble. Leading a squad of riot cops, the police Area Commander made an effort to scatter them. According to reports, the young people refused to comply with police orders to leave the area, arguing that their demonstration was lawful and nonviolent.
A resident of Suleja claims that the police cops used tear gas to try and scatter the demonstrators. The youths claimed they had no intention of using violence, thus this move infuriated them.
The youths attacked the police with rocks, sticks, and other objects, damaging a police car that was parked next to the Area Commander's office (registration number NPF 9102C). After trailing the police to the Area Commander's office, they tried to attack the station but were stopped by officers threatening them with heavy weapons. As the protest got more heated, the police opened fire with live ammunition, instantly murdering three young people.
The source revealed, "I can tell you that there are more than 15 people who have bullet injuries, and we don't know if they will survive it." The police have not yet provided a statement regarding the killings. Before being brought to a medical facility where the victims' deaths were officially confirmed, the Area Commander is said to have denied knowing about the deaths. This event comes after young people attempted to block the busy Kaduna-Abuja highway on Tuesday in anticipation of the protests, which the police also dispersed.
See previous news on #EndBadGovernance protest in Minna, Niger State
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