Security operatives attached to the Niger State Governor, Sani Bello, on Thursday, allegedly opened fire on angry youths chanting ‘Sau Daya’ (one-tenure) for the governor.
Footage of the incident emerged on Friday.
Bello had visited Bidda old market, popularly known as Etsu-Musa market in the state where fire gutted over 600 shops.
During his visit, he donated N20million for the reconstruction of the market.
However, as he made his way out, angry youths stoned his convoy in protest of what they described as the terrible situation of things in Niger.
As the protesters charged closer towards Bello’s convoy, they chanted and individually raised one finger, to make it clear to the governor that he should forget a second term.
Apparently to control a situation that was getting out of control, security operatives escorting the motorcade opened fire on the youths.
The young indigenes, in their hundreds, immediately took to their heels, scampering for safety in different directions.
However, no casualty was recorded.
Reacting, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Jibrin Ndace, confirmed the stoning but said he was not sure whether it was directed at the governor because he was not alone in the convoy.
He told Daily Nigerian that, “The Governor was accompanied by a federal lawmaker, Senator Mustapha Sani; Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Ahmed Marafa; Chief of Staff, Mikail Al-Amin Bmitosahi; Head of Service, Sule Yabagi, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Director Generals, women leaders, APC stakeholders and other government officials.
“After visiting the market, the governor was at Etsun Nupe’s palace where he announced the donation of N20 million to the victims of the fire outbreak that engulfed the Etsu Musa Market in Bida.
“So, if there was threat of any nature to the governor, he would have left Bidda immediately.”
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