On Thursday night, a violent confrontation erupted between security forces and suspected hoodlums in the Lugbe area of Airport Road, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The clash occurred amidst nationwide protests against economic hardship.
Online videos showed thugs setting up bonfires to block the highway, prompting security agencies to respond with sporadic gunfire to disperse the crowd.
The shooting persisted for approximately two hours, causing widespread panic and prompting residents to flee to their homes in fear.
The area had been largely shuttered by 6 pm, with most streets and shops closed as a precautionary measure.
The affected areas included Federal Housing Junction, Berger, Car Wash Junction, and Police Signboard Junction, which were all impacted by the chaos.
The #EndBadGovernance protest turned violent in certain northern states on Thursday, with looting and vandalism the order of the day in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Yobe.
Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), said the police may lean on other security agencies, including the military, if the protest escalates.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Egbetokun said "the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order".
Comments