One killed, 10 arrested in clash between youths, NISTMA officials in Minna

A violent confrontation between officials of the Niger State Traffic Management Agency (NISTMA) and some youths at Kasuwan Gwari market in Minna has left one person dead, another injured, while 10 suspects are now in police custody.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, began when NISTMA officials intercepted a motorcyclist alleged to be conveying vandalised iron. A scuffle reportedly broke out during interrogation, prompting the intervention of policemen on patrol.

However, matters escalated when a group of youths, said to be scavengers, mobilised and attacked both the NISTMA officials and the policemen. In the ensuing violence, a stray bullet claimed the life of one person.

Angered by the killing, the rioters vandalised a police vehicle, barricaded the road, and set tyres ablaze, forcing traders and passersby to flee the area.

Eyewitnesses said the arrival of more security operatives worsened the situation, with sporadic gunfire further heightening tensions.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, saying reinforcements were quickly deployed to restore order.

“Minimum force was used against the riotous assembly, the road was cleared, and over 10 suspects were arrested from the scene. They are currently under investigation,” Abiodun said.

Some traders have called on Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to intervene by removing NISTMA officials from the market and ordering a thorough investigation into the incident.