Abuja Mob Sets Cars, Shops Ablaze Over Killing Of Fleeing Suspect

Abuja Mob Sets Cars, Shops Ablaze Over Killing Of Fleeing Suspect

A section of the renowned Wuse market in Abuja erupted in flames on Tuesday following a violent protest by enraged youths over the killing of a 17-year-old hawker identified only as Musa…….READ ALSO Police Strike: Raid On Abuja Kidnappers’ Camp Ends In Multiple Neutralizations

The unrest led to the burning of the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) office situated within the market premises and several vehicles parked in the market’s car park.

The protest was sparked by a distressing incident where a suspect, reportedly being taken to a mobile court within the market for trial, attempted to flee. This attempt resulted in the individual being allegedly shot and killed by the police.

According to a senior official of the AMML who requested anonymity, the deceased had already been convicted of an unspecified crime and was facing court proceedings for another offense when the tragic event unfolded. The official explained that the young man’s attempt to escape led to him being fatally shot by the police, triggering the violent response from the community.

As a result, attackers set fire to some shops, the AMML office, and multiple vehicles, causing widespread panic and a stampede within the market. Numerous people were injured in the chaos, although the exact number of casualties remains uncertain.

Witnesses described scenes of desperation as people attempted to scale fences and push through congested exits in a bid to escape the turmoil.

The Public Relations Officer of the AMML, Innocent Amaechina, confirmed the occurrence of the fire and reported that the fire service and police operatives had cordoned off the area to manage the situation. However, Amaechina mentioned his inability to access the affected area due to the ongoing emergency response efforts.