Police allegedly shoot engine oil seller during protest in Niger

Engine oil seller in Minna, Niger State capital has been seriously injured after he was shot during a police operation to disperse protesters.

The man, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, was reportedly standing outside his stall at Tunga Market when he was struck by a bullet.

His brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, explained that Ibrahim was not part of the protesters but was busy selling his engine oil to be able to take care of his immediate family when the incident occurred.

He further explained, “he (Ibrahim) was not among those protesting. He was standing in front of his shop selling engine oil when one of the police officers fired a bullet that struck his head and badly injured his face.”

He stated that Ibrahim is being treated at Minna General Hospital, where he was reported to be in a critical condition.

The shooting happened as security personnel were dispersing protesters demonstrating over the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Reports say 65 miners were arrested on 15 and 16 September, with 37 later reported dead while in security custody.

Protests that began on Thursday continued into Friday, with security forces reportedly using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

The circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s shooting have not been independently established but Police spokesperson in Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, called for calm, saying that an investigation would be conducted into the incident.