By correspondent in Minna.
With just forty-eight hours remaining before a planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic difficulties, youths in Suleja, Niger State, began demonstrating over what they described as government indifference to the worsening socio-economic conditions.
The protesters, carrying placards with slogans such as “Enough is Enough,” “Stop All Anti-Masses Policies,” and “Fuel Subsidy Must Be Reversed,” marched along Kaduna Road. Their actions disrupted traffic, leading some traders to close their shops out of concern for their safety.
Police swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd and ensuring continued surveillance to prevent further issues. The Niger State government assured citizens of their safety and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing economic hardships.
Though it was peaceful, our correspondent learnt disrupted vehicular movements in the commercial city while some traders apparently out of fear of molestations and looting quickly closed their shops for the day.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger state command, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun confirmed that, ‘some boys were sighted along Kaduna road in Suleja attempting to block the road’.
The Area Commander of Suleja, according to the PPRO swiftly moved in with his team of anti-riot policemen to the scene and dispersed them.
Abiodun however told journalists that monitoring and intervention is still ongoing to forestall possible challenges that may arise due to rising tension in Suleja.
The PPRO nevertheless urged law abiding members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without any fear, as the police and other security agencies are up and doing encasec of any eventualities.
Meanwhile, Niger state government has assured all law-abiding citizens to continue their legitimate businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation as the government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
Meanwhile, the Niger State government has reassured residents that they could conduct their legitimate business without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The Special Adviser to the Governor (Print Media), Aisha Wakaso,in a statement,said Governor Mohammed Umar Bago-led administration would continue to prioritize initiatives targeted at alleviating the hardship citizens are grappling with.
She affirmed that the current administration in the state Mohammed Umar remained dedicated to initiatives aimed at alleviating citizens’ hardships.
Though the protest was peaceful, it disrupted vehicular traffic in the commercial city, prompting some traders to close their shops early out of concern for possible violence or looting.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Police Command in Niger State, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, confirmed that protesters had attempted to block Kaduna Road in Suleja.
He added that Area Commander, along with anti-riot officers, quickly intervened to disperse the crowd.
Abiodun stated that monitoring and intervention efforts were ongoing to address any potential issues arising from the increased tension in Suleja.
He assured law-abiding citizens that they could continue their daily activities without fear, assuring that police and other security agencies were actively involved.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
