At least three people have been k!lled following a clash between local vigilantes and aggrieved youths in Kpakungu and Gbeganu areas of Minna, the Niger State Capital.
The incident began at about 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 when a group of vigilantes reportedly mobilised to Kpakungu to arrest some suspected miscreants.
According to the Niger State Police Command, a vigilante member allegedly shot and k!lled a man identified as Aliyu during the operation, sparking protests in the area.
The situation escalated in the early hours of Sunday, October 4, when some youths reportedly blocked the Minna-Bida Road in protest over the k!lling before moving to the Gbeganu area, where they allegedly attacked residents.
Two additional d3aths were reported during the ensuing violence, bringing the total number of fatalities to three. Local sources said the two victims were buried in accordance with local customs.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said tactical teams had been deployed to the affected areas to disperse the rioters and restore normalcy.
He said the Minna-Bida Road was subsequently cleareqd to allow the free flow of traffic.
Abiodun added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the vigilante member suspected of firing the fatal shot, as well as other individuals linked to the violence.
The command urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring the public that security personnel had been deployed to prevent further violence and maintain communities.