Protest: Commercial activities on standstill in Niger

The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest has brought commercial activities to a standstill in parts of Niger.

Traders at the Abdulkadir Kure Ultra Market in Minna locked up their stores as hoodlums attempted to force entry into the market.

In Tunga, youths barricaded major streets, set tires on fire, and attempted to loot shops.

However, timely police intervention prevented the looting. In a more disturbing incident, hoodlums disguised as protesters set the Tafa local government council secretariat on fire and looted a warehouse storing assorted grains.

Tragedy struck in Suleja, where three persons were killed by stray bullets as protesters targeted commercial shops for vandalism.

To maintain security, a joint team of police, Department of State Security Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to strategic entry points in Minna.

Security personnel were also placed on guard duty at public buildings like hospitals and conference centers.

The protest has caused significant disruptions, with major streets deserted and civil servants forced to remain at home.

Youths were seen setting fire to tires on major roads, causing further chaos.

The Niger State government, in collaboration with security agencies, has taken measures to forestall further violence and ensure public safety.