Police operatives in Niger State have killed six peaceful protesters in the ongoing hunger protests in the State.
Also, others sustained injuries.
The victims Newsband gathered were reportedly killed while security operatives battled to dislodge a group of protesters who had set up barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
Some policemen present at the barricade were unable to control the youths, who outnumbered them.
A reinforcement team was drafted to the scene, where the chaos erupted.
Among those killed according to Dailytrust was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was struck by a stray bullet.
The bullet hit him while he was on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ Division, where protesters had gathered.
A nephew of the deceased speaking on the development, said, “He was my uncle. He wasn’t even protesting; he was just passing in front of the Police ‘A’ Division when a stray bullet hit him in the chest, and he died on the spot. As I speak with you, I am at his house alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate.”
Another victim was identified simply as Mallam Abu, who also died at the scene.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Trust that three other people were shot at the same location, while two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna road.