A violent confrontation between rival youth groups in Minna, Niger State, has left one person dead and two others injured after police responded to a distress call from residents.
The incident occurred in the Dutsen-Kura Gwari and Fadikpe communities, where repeated clashes involving suspected hoodlums have reportedly become a growing security concern.
Residents said the latest violence began on Thursday but escalated late Sunday night, forcing community members to seek police intervention as the situation spiraled out of control.
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One resident, who spoke anonymously out of fear of reprisals, said officers arrived to restore order, but amid the chaos, gunshots rang out, leaving one youth dead and two others wounded.
“The fighting became too intense, and everyone was running for safety. We called the police for help. When they arrived, shots were fired, one of the boys collapsed, and two others were taken to the hospital for treatment,” the resident said.
However, the Niger State Police Command gave a different account of the incident, stating that officers came under attack after responding to the emergency call.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command received a distress call at about 11:30 p.m. on June 28, reporting that suspected miscreants were engaged in a violent clash around the affected communities.
He said operatives from the GRA Division were immediately deployed to the area.
Abiodun explained that as the officers approached the scene, the suspected hoodlums allegedly opened fire on the police, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
He identified the deceased as Mohammed Mohammed of Dutsen-Kura, adding that two other suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
The police spokesman also disclosed that another suspect, identified as Ismail Shehu, suffered machete wounds, while two locally fabricated firearms were recovered from the scene.
He added that efforts are underway to apprehend other suspects who escaped during the operation.
Meanwhile, residents have called on security agencies and community leaders to take decisive steps to end the recurring clashes, warning that the continued violence poses a serious threat to lives and property in the affected communities.
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