A tragic incident occurred in Minna, Niger State capital, when a Nigerian police officer allegedly shot a motorcyclist dead while dispersing suspected thugs. The incident happened at the popular M.I Wushishi Eastern Bypass Road, a heavily trafficked route due to ongoing road construction in the area.
According to reports, a team of security personnel attempted to disperse violent youths, allegedly illegal miners, who had been engaged in clashes for three consecutive days. During the dispersal, one of the officers fired a gunshot that struck the tricycle rider.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that reports were received of miscreants bearing dangerous weapons, prompting police patrol teams to mobilize and restore normalcy ¹. Abiodun stated that investigations have commenced to uncover the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death, and notably claimed that the victim was not killed by the police.
The incident caused a gridlock in the area, with the M.I Wushishi Eastern Bypass and the NNPC Station Western Bypass being the only alternative routes for road users.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death is ongoing.
