In a devastating turn of events, the usually bustling Abuja-Kaduna highway in Suleja, Niger state, was transformed into a scene of utter chaos and carnage as security operatives clashed with protesters, resulting in the senseless loss of at least six lives and leaving numerous others with grievous bullet wounds.
The protesters, who had gathered to voice their discontent against the crippling hunger and economic hardship plaguing the nation as part of the 10-day nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, were met with an iron fist by security operatives determined to dislodge them from the blocked highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims were struck by a hail of bullets, with one of the deceased, Yahaya Nda Isah, being felled by a stray bullet while innocently passing by the Suleja Police ‘A’ division on his bike.
His nephew, still reeling from the shock, revealed that “He was my uncle. He was not even protesting.
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He was just 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 on the spot.”
The nephew’s words paint a vivid picture of the senseless violence that unfolded, leaving countless lives shattered and families torn apart.
As the protesters sought to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, they were instead met with a brutal display of force, leaving many to wonder if the very fabric of our society is beginning to unravel.
With over 15 protesters currently receiving treatment for bullet wounds at various health facilities, including Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, the true extent of the carnage is only beginning to emerge.