How Angry Women’s Protest in Niger State was Quelled by Hoodlums, Police

What began as a peaceful demonstration by women in Minna, the capital of Niger State, against the soaring cost of living, escalated into chaos as hoodlums infiltrated the protest, prompting police intervention.

According to a resident from the Kpakungu Area of Minna South, who preferred to remain anonymous, the women initially took to the streets to voice their grievances regarding the escalating prices of essential goods, especially food items. Their demands included better living conditions, job opportunities, and a reduction in petrol prices.

“These women were expressing their displeasure with the high cost of living in the state,” the resident shared. “They were demanding jobs, affordable living conditions, and a reduction in the price of petrol.”

The resident highlighted the alarming spike in food prices, stating, “Just this January, a mudu of rice was sold at N1,150, but today it is N1,800. A mudu of beans is also N1,500 from N900.”

However, the peaceful protest took a dark turn when hoodlums joined the demonstration, leading to a loss of control over the situation. The resident explained, “When the hoodlums saw what was happening, they became motivated to join them, and everything went out of control from that point on.”

Police intervention followed, with officers resorting to firing shots to disperse the unruly crowd. Unfortunately, two individuals sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

“The hoodlums said they joined the protest because they were displeased with how the police were trying to control the crowd,” the resident added.

This incident adds to the growing wave of public discontent, as Niger residents express their frustration with the government’s perceived lack of effective measures to address the escalating cost of living.