By Our Correspondent, Minna
A fatal shooting by a local vigilante group has triggered fresh violence in Minna, Niger State, leaving two more persons reportedly dead after angry youths blocked a major highway and attacked businesses.
The incident began on Saturday night in Kpakungu after vigilantes reportedly responded to a distress call over alleged violent conduct by some youths.
One of the vigilantes allegedly shot dead a young man identified as Aliyu while attempting to arrest the youths, according to the police.
His death sparked protests on Sunday, with hundreds of youths taking to the streets to demand justice.
The protesters blocked the busy Minna-Bida highway, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving commuters and early morning worshippers stranded.
The protest later spread to Gbeganu and other parts of the city, where some youths allegedly attacked residents, damaged property and looted shops.
Two more persons were reportedly killed in the ensuing violence, while several others sustained injuries.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and said tactical teams were deployed to contain the situation.
Abiodun said the protesters were dispersed and the highway cleared after security operatives moved into the affected areas.
He added that police had commenced efforts to arrest the vigilante member allegedly responsible for Aliyu’s death.
The police spokesman said normalcy had returned to the affected areas, with vehicular movement restored on the Minna-Bida highway.
But the latest unrest has renewed concerns over the growing pattern of violent youth protests and street disturbances in the Niger State capital.
The development also comes weeks after the reported deaths of 37 miners in a detention facility in Minna, adding to mounting concerns over security and public safety in the city.
