August 1 protest: Several protesters reportedly shot dead in Niger

At least four people have reportedly been killed, while several others sustained injuries during the ongoing protest in Suleja, Niger State.

This comes a moment after protesters barricaded the road, trapping many passengers and motorists for hours.

The victims were reportedly killed while security operatives struggled to disperse protesters who erected barricades on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Among those killed 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 according to DAILY TRUST.

A nephew of the deceased told Daily Trust, "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, informed 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, though he could not confirm whether they were dead.

Another resident, whose shop was located near the Suleja Police 'A' Division, stated that he had to close his shop and flee for his life.

"We heard people shouting, and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is dire," said Bala Abdullahi, another resident.

SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said that some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa Local Government Area ablaze, but they were dispersed by security operatives.

This indicates that the protest had taken a fierce dimension in the state.

Abuja Police Command Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh confirmed that a protest has been hijacked by hoodlums in the Nation's capital not far from Niger State.