ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Protesters on Tuesday attacked a police station and set several cars on fire at the bustling Wuse Market in Abuja.
This happened after the fatal shooting of a hawker by security operatives.
According to witnesses, the victim, identified as 27-year-old Ibrahim Yahaya by the police, was shot while attempting to escape custody after being arrested by “task force officers” and the police.
Eyewitnesses, including shop owners, recounted that the hawker was shot as he tried to flee, which incited anger among some youths in the market.
The angry mob then proceeded to the police station within the market premises, vandalising windows and setting vehicles in the vicinity ablaze. Approximately eight cars were reportedly destroyed during the chaos, which began around 3:30 p.m.
Reports indicate that teargas was deployed by the police to disperse the crowd, further exacerbating the situation. Around ten shops also caught fire amidst the commotion, with some attributing the blaze to the use of teargas.
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A senior official from the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) confirmed that the shooting of the hawker triggered the violent response, resulting in the destruction of shops and property, including the AMML office.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, refuted claims that the police were responsible for the shooting.
She stated that preliminary investigations revealed the victim was shot by a correctional service officer while attempting to escape custody.
A total of ten shops were reportedly engulfed in flames during the incident, as confirmed by the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
FEMA, along with other emergency response agencies, swiftly mobilised to contain the fire, which was eventually brought under control.
In light of the incident, FEMA’s acting Director General, Mohammed Sabo, urged residents to prioritise fire safety measures, emphasising the importance of equipping homes and businesses with firefighting equipment. He also advised against storing combustible materials in residential areas.
Meanwhile, Innocent Amaechina, spokesperson for the Abuja Market Management Ltd (AMML), clarified that only a section of the market was affected by the fire, refuting rumours of widespread damage.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant and report emergencies promptly.