By Jemilu Hassan
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A deadly clash between rival illegal mining groups, Anguwan Kampani and Galaxy, in Minna, Niger State, has resulted in the killing of a tricycle rider. The rider was allegedly shot by police operatives who intervened to control the situation on Friday.
The incident began two days ago at an illegal mining site at Wushishi Housing Estate, where a dispute over mining rights led to a free-for-all fight between the rival youth groups. Unfortunately, two people lost their lives in the fight.
When the police learned of the situation, they swiftly responded to restore order and make arrests. However, their actions led to more bloodshed on Friday, with the tricycle rider shot dead as the warring youths clashed with dangerous weapons and took to their heels to escape arrest.
The situation remains volatile, with heightened tension gripping the metropolis as fear increases among residents of Anguwan Kampani, Galaxy, and other parts of Minna. The tricycle riders, outraged over the killing of their fellow rider, allegedly by the police, demanded an investigation into the incident.
One of the tricycle riders, identified as Musa, expressed their concerns, stating, “Our concerns are rooted in the belief that the police action was unjustified and excessive, leading to the loss of an innocent life. We, tricycle riders, are seeking accountability and transparency in the investigation, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The state Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances of the death. According to him, “Reports were received this morning at about 09.00am of some miscreants bearing dangerous weapons fighting around Kafintella and Angwa-Kampani, while police patrol teams of Tudun-Wada and Maitumbi Divisions mobilised to the area to restore normalcy.”
Abiodun added, “During the process, one person was reported to have lost his life. Suddenly, tricycle riders mobilised to block the road while reinforcement was dispatched and the road was cleared, normalcy was restored.”
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