One of the cars damaged by the hoodlums.
By Mohammed Usman
Uneasy calm now pervades Minna, the Niger State capital, as hoodlums on Tuesday September 3, 2024, invaded the M I Wushishi Housing Estate, eastern by-pass and destroyed a yet-to-be ascertained number of properties.
The daylight raid came on the heels of state government’s clampdown on illegal miners in the area.
Six cars and a number of business and residential houses were broken into by the hoodlums said to be chanting anti-government slogans as they continued with the destruction of properties unchallenged by the security forces.
One of the residents, who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that they identified some of the illegal gold miners among the attackers, who also threatened to sack the entire the housing estate should they report to the police.
Consequently, the residents called for the establishment of a police outpost to provide security for them and prevent future invasions by criminals.
Also read: Niger govt gives three weeks ultimatum to developers to utilize land or face revocation
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger State Command, Wasiu A. Abiodun, confirmed the attack.
Abiodun said that the police received distress call that suspected illegal miners/ thugs engaged in fight and were destroying properties in the housing estate.
He said the police patrol team led by the DPO Maitumbi quickly mobilized to the scene and successfully dispersed the miscreants.
Abiodun however told journalists that one person among the gang, whose identity is still unknown, was killed during the raid and that his remains had been deposited at the Minna General Hospital morgue.
The PPRO also said that investigations into the cause of the breach of peace was ongoing, while efforts were on to arrest the fleeing assailants.
……………
For more interesting stories click: nigerianewsflight.com.ng
