Police intervention turns deadly as rival youth clash claims one life in Niger

Tension has engulfed Dutsen-Kura Gwari and Fadikpe communities in Minna, Niger State, after a violent clash between rival youth groups ended with one person dead and two others hospitalised.

Residents said the confrontation, which occurred late Sunday night, was the latest in a series of recurring clashes that have unsettled the neighbouring communities for months, with armed youths allegedly engaging in street fights, intimidation and other criminal activities.

A resident, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, told DAILY POST that the disturbance which started on Thursday became so intense on Sunday that members of the community alerted the police.

According to the resident, officers arrived at the scene to restore order, but in the ensuing confusion, one of the youths was allegedly struck by police gunfire. Two others also sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

“The fighting was getting out of hand and everyone was running for safety. We called the police to save the situation. When they came, there were gunshots, and one of the boys fell. Two others were injured and have been taken to the hospital,” the resident said.

However, the Niger State Police Command maintained that its operatives came under attack after responding to the distress call.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received a distress call at about 11:30 p.m. on June 28, reporting that suspected miscreants were engaged in a violent clash around Dutsen-Kura Gwari and Fadikpe.

He said operatives attached to the GRA Division were immediately deployed to the area.

According to him, as the officers advanced to the scene, the hoodlums opened fire on the police, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Abiodun said one suspect, identified as Mohammed Mohammed of Dutsen-Kura, was fatally shot during the exchange, while two others sustained gunshot injuries.

“As officers advanced to the scene, the miscreants fired gunshots at the police, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One Mohammed Mohammed of Dutsen-Kura was taken down, two others were injured, and two locally made guns were recovered from the scene,” he said.

The Niger police spokesman added that another suspect, Ismail Shehu, suffered machete cuts.

He further disclosed that two locally fabricated firearms were recovered from the scene.

Abiodun added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang who fled.

Residents, however, expressed concern over the recurring violence in the area, saying repeated clashes between rival youth groups have continued to threaten lives and property.

They called on security agencies and community leaders to adopt lasting measures to address youth violence before more lives are lost.