By Our Correspondent, Minna
Three youths were reportedly killed in Minna, Niger State, on Sunday as a protest over the alleged shooting of a young man by a local vigilante group turned violent.
The violence erupted in the Kpakungu area of the state capital, where hundreds of youths reportedly took to the streets to demand justice for the deceased, identified as Aliyu.
The protesters blocked the busy Minna-Bida highway, disrupting vehicular movement and forcing businesses and other activities in the area to shut temporarily.
Early morning worshippers and commuters were also reportedly stranded as the protest lasted for several hours.
The situation later degenerated as some protesters allegedly attacked residents, destroyed property and looted shops around Gbeganu and other parts of the city.
Two more persons were reportedly killed during the ensuing violence, while several others sustained injuries.
The crisis followed an incident around 10:30pm on Saturday when local vigilantes reportedly mobilised to Kpakungu after receiving a distress call over alleged violent conduct by some youths.
According to the police, one of the vigilantes allegedly shot and killed Aliyu while attempting to arrest the youths.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the shooting triggered the protest.
He said police patrol teams were immediately deployed to the area and restored calm, while efforts were underway to arrest the vigilante member allegedly responsible for the shooting.
Abiodun said the situation escalated again on Sunday when some youths blocked the Minna-Bida highway.
He added that the protesters later moved towards Gbeganu, where they allegedly attacked residents and looted shops.
“Two persons lost their lives,” the police spokesman said, adding that tactical teams were deployed to disperse the rioters and clear the highway.
The police said normalcy had since returned to the affected areas, with traffic restored on the highway.
The latest violence has renewed concerns over recurring youth disturbances in Minna, with residents worried about the frequency of clashes and their consequences for lives and businesses.
The incident also comes weeks after the reported deaths of 37 miners in a detention facility in Minna, further heightening security concerns in the Niger State capital.