Tension on has gripped residents of Angwan-Kaje in the Maitumbi area of Minna, Chanchaga Local Government Area, following the alleged killing of a young man by a police officer reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, has sparked outrage among community members who described the act as senseless and unprovoked.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the victim, identified simply as Sani, was unarmed and posed no threat when he was shot. Sources say the officer, alleged to be intoxicated, began firing sporadically in the area, fatally hitting Sani, who was said to have been asleep at the time.
A local tea seller, popularly known as Mai Shayi, was also reportedly targeted in the shooting spree but managed to escape unharmed. “The officer shot him unlawfully while he was sleeping. He also attempted to shoot another person, but the person escaped. Bullet shells were recovered at the scene,” a resident narrated.
Describing the deceased, another resident said Sani was a peace-loving individual with no affiliation to criminal elements.
“He was a good person, not part of any ‘Yan Daba’ group. He wasn’t arrogant or troublesome,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the matter was reported to the police early Monday morning.
“The Command received the complaint of the alleged shooting this morning, which was reported to have occurred at about 3 a.m. on March 10, 2025, at Angwan-Kaje area of Maitumbi, Minna,” he said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Maitumbi to commence a thorough investigation to identify the officer involved in the act. “Further development and action taken will be communicated to the public in due course,” the PPRO assured.
Meanwhile, residents are calling for swift justice and accountability, urging the police authorities to ensure that the case is not swept under the carpet.