Police arrest 11 hoodlums as protest turns violent in Niger

The Niger State Police Command has arrested 11 hoodlums linked to the violence that erupted at Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State during the ongoing nationwide hunger protest.

Also there were unconfirmed reports that three youths were killed in Suleja LGA of Niger State when the protest turned violent in the area.

It was gathered the deceased were stoned to death just as over 15 others are said to be receiving medical attention at various health care facilities in Suleja and Gwagwalada in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Niger State Police Command, in a statement signed by the spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the miscreants mobilized and stormed Tafa LGA Secretariat, located along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Sabon-Wuse, in the morning.

He explained that the hoodlums set ablaze the Tafa LGA Secretariat, burnt two cars and vandalized two others.

“They further looted valuables there-in, while the Police and other security agencies responded to the scene, and arrested eleven violent miscreants with different dangerous weapons, including firearms as others were dispersed from the scene and some of the looted items were recovered.”

He disclosed that immediately, the Police and other security agencies responded to the blockage of the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway and Old Toll-gate and dispersed the hoodlums.

Abiodun also revealed that the expressway has been reopened for motorists and there is free flow of traffic.

He added that that investigation into the violent incident has commenced with a view to arrest other fleeing miscreants.

“Members of the public, parents and residents are warned again to caution their wards as the Police Command reemphasized that violent demonstrations, destruction of public assets and looting will not be tolerated and any act of lawlessness will be strictly dealt with in accordance with the law,” he added.