Drama as protesters hijack trailer, loot foodstuff in Niger

A demonstration against the surge in food prices, which commenced early on Thursday, reportedly escalated into violence when troublemakers allegedly seized control of a truck carrying food supplies on the Suleja-Kaduna road.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters took charge of the loaded trailer, containing rice and other goods, by overpowering the driver and engaging in theft.

One witness stated, “I observed the troublemakers surrounding the trailer, chanting protest slogans, claiming it as their food. Suddenly, the hoodlums overwhelmed the trailer’s driver, who had to flee for safety, and they proceeded to loot from the vehicle.”

The witness added that security forces, including soldiers, police, and civil defense personnel, later arrived at the protest site and deployed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

“It took some time before security personnel reached the scene, fired tear gas, and attempted to make arrests,” the source further mentioned.

State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident, explaining that the Suleja Area Commander, ACP Sani Musa, dispatched patrol teams to the location, dispersing the protesters and reopening the highway for normal traffic flow.

“There was an unnotified protest this morning along Kaduna road, Suleja, which was later discovered to be hijacked by some troublemakers who blocked the highway,” Abiodun stated. “Area Commander Suleja, ACP Sani Musa mobilised patrol teams to the scene, dispersed the protesters, and the highway was cleared for free flow of traffic. However, monitoring continues,” he added.

The spokesperson could not confirm the number of troublemakers arrested as of the time of this report.

In recent weeks, a wave of protests has swept across the country due to the prevailing hardship. It originated with a demonstration in Kpakungu, Minna, led by women, resulting in the arrest of approximately 30 individuals, including the female protest leaders.