Universal Times

A devastating incident occurred in Yauri local government area of Kebbi State, resulting in the death of a businessman who was struck by a stray bullet during a violent protest. The protest, which escalated when demonstrators blocked the federal highway, led to a major disruption in traffic entering Yauri town.

According to eyewitnesses, the marine police fired shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd, resulting in a stray bullet fatally wounding the plastic seller. The victim's identity has not been ascertained.

The protest, which began peacefully, took a violent turn when demonstrators blocked the federal highway, causing a major disruption to traffic entering Yauri town. The situation quickly escalated, with marine police reportedly firing shots to disperse the crowd.

Malam Umar Bako Yelwa, a local resident, spoke to Vanguard about the incident. "The protest escalated when demonstrators blocked the federal highway, causing a major disruption to traffic entering Yauri town," he said. "The marine police fired shots to disperse the crowd, resulting in a stray bullet fatally wounding the plastic seller."

Efforts to obtain a statement from the Nigeria Police Force's Kebbi State Command were unsuccessful, as the police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Abubakar, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment.

The situation in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, remains calm following the protests that have affected various parts of the town. However, the incident has raised concerns about the use of force by security agencies to disperse crowds.

The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks associated with violent protests and the need for security agencies to exercise restraint when dealing with crowds. The family of the deceased businessman has called for an investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable.

The Kebbi State government has also issued a statement condemning the incident and promising to investigate. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and property during the protest," said a spokesperson for the state government. "We will do everything possible to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

The incident has also raised concerns about the economic impact of the protests on the local community. The blockade of the federal highway has resulted in a major disruption to trade and commerce, with many businesses affected.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the community is left to mourn the loss of a businessman who was simply trying to make a living. The incident is a tragic reminder of the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts and the importance of protecting human life.