Clash Between Illegal Mining Groups in Minna Claims Tricycle Rider’s Life

A deadly clash between rival illegal mining groups, Anguwan Kampani and Galaxy, in Minna, Niger State, escalated into chaos, leading to the death of a tricycle rider allegedly shot by police operatives during an intervention on Friday.

The incident triggered outrage among tricycle riders, who blocked the major highway around the state secretariat, halting vehicular movement between Chanchaga and the town to demand justice for their colleague.

Genesis of the Conflict
The crisis reportedly began two days earlier at an illegal mining site in Wushishi Housing Estate, where a dispute over mining rights erupted into a violent confrontation.

The clash, involving rival youth groups wielding dangerous weapons, claimed two lives before escalating further.

Police operatives, upon learning of the unrest, swiftly intervened to restore order and apprehend suspects.

However, their actions reportedly led to additional bloodshed on Friday, when a tricycle rider was shot dead as the warring youths fled the scene to evade arrest.

Eyewitness Account
A resident of the area, Ladan Bashir, narrated the incident, stating, *“When the police arrived to arrest the youths, they fled.

A tricycle rider, out of fear, also ran in the same direction. The police, suspecting him to be one of the hoodlums, shot him twice, resulting in his death.”

The deceased’s body was later transported to the protest site, where tricycle riders gathered to decry the killing and demand justice.

Triycle Riders Demand Accountability
The aggrieved tricycle riders accused the police of excessive force and called for a thorough investigation. Musa, one of the riders, said, “The police action was unjustified and excessive, leading to the loss of an innocent life.

We demand accountability and transparency in this investigation to ensure justice is served.”*

Police Response
When contacted, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the disturbance but did not verify the alleged killing of the tricycle rider.

According to him, “Reports were received this morning around 9:00 am about miscreants armed with dangerous weapons fighting around Kafintella and Angwan Kampani.

Police patrol teams were mobilized to restore order. During the process, one person was reported dead.”

He added that reinforcement was dispatched to clear the roadblock created by protesting tricycle riders, and normalcy has since been restored. SP Abiodun assured the public that an investigation into the circumstances of the death is underway.

Heightened Tension in Minna
Despite the restored calm, tension remains high in parts of Minna, with residents of Anguwan Kampani, Galaxy, and neighboring areas expressing fear over potential reprisals.