At least three people have been killed following a violent confrontation between local vigilantes and youths in parts of Minna, the Niger State capital.
The violence reportedly started around 10:30pm on Saturday, October 3, after vigilantes mobilised to the Kpakungu area to apprehend suspected miscreants.
The Niger State Police Command said a vigilante member allegedly shot and killed a man identified as Aliyu during the operation, triggering protests by residents.
Tension later escalated in the early hours of Sunday when some youths reportedly blocked the Minna-Bida Road in protest against the killing.
The youths subsequently moved towards the Gbeganu area, where they were said to have attacked some residents.
Two more people were reportedly killed during the ensuing violence, bringing the death toll to three.
Local sources said the two victims were later buried according to Islamic customs.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said tactical teams had been deployed to Kpakungu, Gbeganu and other affected areas to disperse the rioters and restore peace.
Abiodun said the Minna-Bida Road was eventually cleared, allowing motorists to resume movement along the route.
He added that the command had commenced efforts to apprehend the vigilante member suspected of firing the fatal shot, alongside other persons allegedly involved in the ensuing violence.
The police urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation, assuring that security personnel had been deployed to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
