The victims were shot by bullets fired by security operatives attempting to disperse a group of protesters who had barricaded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

According to eyewitnesses, the protesters, mostly youths, had outnumbered the initial team of policemen at the scene, prompting a reinforcement team to be deployed. The situation quickly spiralled out of control, leading to pandemonium.

Among the victims was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division.

“He was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division when a stray bullet hit him on the chest, and he died on the spot,” Isah’s nephew said.

Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died instantly. Witnesses reported that three others were shot at the same scene, while two more were injured at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road.