Two minors sustain gunshot wounds as students, youth clash ‘over girlfriends’ in Suleja
A violent clash involving secondary school students in Niger state has led to the arrest of six suspects.
The altercation occurred between students of Annur Islamic Model School, Chaichainiya, and youths from Zuma Bread in the same area of Suleja LGA.
Witnesses revealed that the dispute began over girlfriends and escalated into an intra-community clash on Friday.
Over 20 youths, led by Umar Idris, an SSS 3 student, invaded the area with dangerous weapons, engaging in a fight. Gunshots were fired, hitting two minors, aged 10 and 11, who sustained thigh injuries.
The state police responded to a distress call, mobilizing personnel and vigilantes to restore calm. Injured victims were evacuated to Suleja General Hospital for treatment while six suspects were arrested.
The police are also collaborating with school authorities to apprehend other students involved.
The incident follows recent cases of violence involving students of higher learning institutions.
In 2023, the management of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) closed for two weeks over a clash between students and the host community.
Last year, the SUG officials of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) clashed with security operatives of Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Edo state.(The Cable)