Two minors, Imaran Hassan, 11, and Nura Jibrin, 10, have sustained bullet injuries following a violent clash involving students of Annur Islamic Model School and some local youths in the Chaichainiya area near Zuma Bread Bakery, Suleja, Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a girl and quickly escalated into a full-blown confrontation.
“After Tarawih prayers, what started as a dispute over a girlfriend turned into a serious fight around 9:30 p.m.,” a resident who preferred to remain anonymous told reporters.
According to eyewitnesses, an SS3 student, Umar Idris, allegedly led a group of fellow students to the area, armed with weapons, which triggered the violence.
During the chaos, Hassan and Jibrin were struck by stray bullets in their thighs, though the origin of the gunshots remains unclear.
Security operatives, including the police and local vigilantes, were mobilised to quell the unrest and ensure the evacuation of the injured boys to the Suleja General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Authorities confirmed that several arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest of 11 suspects, including Umar Idris.
He revealed that investigations indicate the gunshots that injured the two minors were fired by an officer from a sister security agency.
“On 6/3/2025 at about 11 p.m., reports were received that some youths and secondary school students were involved in a fight at Chaichainiya area of Kaduna Road over a lover’s issue involving one Umar Idris,” Abiodun stated.
“During the fight, gunshots were heard from different directions, hitting two victims, Nura and Imrana, aged 10 and 11 respectively.
A covert operation led to the arrest of 11 suspects, while further investigations revealed that an officer from a sister agency was responsible for the shooting.”