Violent protests erupted in the Kpagungu area of Minna, the capital city of Niger State, Nigeria, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after a resident, Aliyu, was allegedly killed by a vigilante personnel, Taiye, on Saturday. The protesters, who took to the streets in the morning, vandalized the vigilante office and demanded that Taiye be produced. Some protesters also blocked the Kpakungu-Bida highway, chanting anti-government slogans.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Niger State Command, SP Wasiu A Abiodun, the police received a report on October 3, 2026, at about 10:30 pm, indicating that a group of vigilante men had mobilized to Kpakungu area to arrest some miscreants, and in the process, one of the vigilante members shot Aliyu dead. This incident led to protests in the area, with police patrol teams being mobilized to the location to restore normalcy.
Despite efforts to restore normalcy, some miscreants regrouped on Sunday, October 4, 2026, and blocked the Bida-Minna road, continuing the protests. The PPRO reported that the hoodlums also attacked residents in the Gbeganu area, resulting in the loss of two lives. Police tactical teams were drafted to the scene to maintain law and order, and the rioters were dispersed, with the roads being cleared for free flow of traffic.
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that a total of three persons have lost their lives in the violent protests. The incident has raised concerns about the activities of vigilante groups in the state and the need for greater accountability. The police have promised to arrest the vigilante man who shot Aliyu.
The protests have also drawn attention to the issue of avoidable deaths in the state, with protesters recalling the number of concurrent incidents. The situation in Minna remains tense, with residents calling for greater security and stability in the area.
The Independent Newspaper was able to confirm that the police are working to restore normalcy in the area and to bring perpetrators to justice. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of vigilante groups in maintaining security in Nigeria.
The Niger State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The police have also promised to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key points
- Three persons have been killed in Minna, Nigeria, following violent protests over the alleged killing of a resident by a vigilante personnel.
- The protests were sparked by the killing of Aliyu, a resident of Kpagungu area, by a vigilante personnel, Taiye.
- The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that a total of three persons have lost their lives in the violent protests.
