Chaos in Niger State as Student Clash Over Girlfriends Leaves Two Minors Shot, 11 Arrested

A violent clash over girlfriends between secondary school students and local youths in Suleja, Niger State, led to two minors being shot, 11 arrests, and police intervention to restore order.

Suleja town in Niger State was thrown into chaos as a violent clash erupted between secondary school students and a rival youth group over a dispute involving girlfriends.

The conflict reportedly began when Umar Idris, an SS3 student from a model secondary school in Chaichainiya, led his gang armed with dangerous weapons to attack local rivals in the same community. The fight, which occurred over the weekend, saw both groups using weapons freely, prompting intervention from security forces.

To restore order, police and local vigilantes were deployed, firing gunshots and teargas to disperse the warring factions. As panic spread, shops were quickly shut, and residents sought safety indoors. Unfortunately, two minors, aged 10 and 11, were caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot wounds. They were rushed to Suleja General Hospital for treatment.

Security operatives managed to restore calm, and an initial arrest of six suspects soon increased to 11 as investigations continued.

Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, stated that the clash, which occurred on March 6, 2025, around 11 p.m., involved students and local youths fighting over relationship issues.

He further revealed that during a covert police operation, 11 suspects, including the gang leader Umar Idris, were arrested and are currently under investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that a personnel of a sister security agency was responsible for the gunshots that injured the two minors.

The police assured that further investigations are ongoing to bring all those involved to justice.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD