Chaos erupted in Suleja town, the headquarters of Suleja Local Government in Niger State, following a violent clash between students of a secondary school and a rival group over romantic disputes. It remains uncertain whether the opposing group was affiliated with another institution in the area. However, reports indicate that the confrontation involved students from a model school in Chaichainiya and other local youths.
The conflict was allegedly led by Umar Idris, an SSS 3 student and the leader of the gang from the model school. Idris and his group, reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, launched an attack against their local adversaries within the same neighborhood.
The altercation, which took place over the weekend, saw both sides wielding weapons freely, escalating tensions in the community. In response, police officers and local vigilantes were quickly deployed to contain the situation before it spiraled into more severe violence.
Gunshots and tear gas were fired to disperse the fighting groups, triggering widespread panic. Businesses shut down abruptly, and residents sought refuge indoors to avoid the unfolding violence. Unfortunately, amidst the chaos, two young boys, aged 10 and 11, were struck by gunfire. They were promptly taken to Suleja General Hospital for medical treatment.
Security operatives managed to restore order in the area. Following a thorough search of the community, six individuals were initially apprehended. However, as investigations progressed, the number of arrested suspects increased to eleven.
Confirming the incident, Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, stated that the clash occurred on March 6, 2025, around 11 p.m. He explained that reports were received about a fight in the Chaichainiya area along Kaduna Road, which stemmed from a dispute over romantic interests led by Umar Idris.
According to the police, gunshots were heard from various directions during the confrontation, resulting in injuries to two young victims, identified as Nura and Imrana. Preliminary investigations further revealed that a member of another security agency was responsible for the shooting that injured the minors.
Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those involved in the violence are held accountable.