Chaos erupted in Minna, the capital of Niger State, on Monday, as government enforcement agents clashed with suspected vandals, leaving one person feared dead and several others injured.
The confrontation reportedly saw dangerous weapons being used by the miscreants against both government officials and the police.
The incident occurred at Kasuwan Gwari, a major market in Minna, causing panic among traders in and around the area.
The trouble began when government enforcement agents, recently deployed, intercepted some scavengers riding motorcycles while carrying scraps believed to have questionable origins.
When the officials attempted to stop them, the suspects resisted, sparking a violent confrontation that disrupted law and order.
Several injured individuals were rushed to Minna General Hospital for medical attention.
Just last week, Governor Muhammad Bago met with officials of the state chapter of the Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria.
During the meeting, he expressed concern over the increasing vandalism by their members under the guise of collecting scraps and warned that they should caution their members or face legal consequences.
The state Police Command, through its spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and noted that 10 individuals had been arrested.
“Operation flush Police patrol team of ‘A’ Division, who were on routine patrol intervened to resolve the issue but a group of scavengers/miscreants mobilised, attacked both the Policemen and the government officials, NISTMA personnel damaging police vehicle, barricaded the road and were burning tyres.
“The Police Command quickly mobilised reinforcements to the scene and minimum force was used against the riotous assembly and the road was cleared. Over 10 persons were arrested at the scene and they are under investigation,” the statement added.
