How hoodlums forced cancellation of Sallah durbar in Minna

Hoodlums reportedly disrupted Sallah activities in many areas in Minna, the Niger State capital, as they attacked and injured innocent people.

City & Crime gathered that the annual Sallah Durbar in Minna was cancelled by the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, for fear that hoodlums may take advantage of the festival to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.

Our reporter gathered that the areas affected were Dutsen-Kura Hausa, Barikin Sale, Unguwan-Daji and Limawa among others.

At Barikin Sale, a resident, Tauheed Mohammed, told City & Crime that one person was killed while several others were injured, including a soldier who was in Minna for the Sallah.

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“It has not been easy for us since Sunday evening. These boys started around 6pm and even burgled people’s houses.

“At Barikin Sale, some people were in front of their houses resting when these boys invaded the area and started attacking anyone they saw. I know of three people that sustained injuries and were treated at Minna General Hospital. Today (Monday morning) they continue with their attacks,” he said.

City & Crime also gathered that no fewer than 10 shops were burgled at Stadium Junction, Unguwan-Daji in the night when properties worth millions of naira were either destroyed or stolen as shop owners fled for safety.

At Dutsen-Kura Hausa, a resident, Mrs Fatima Muhammad, said it took police intervention before the hoodlums allowed them to sleep on Sunday night as they attacked each other with weapons, and broke into people’s houses to steal.

Our reporter gathered that some of them took advantage of the Sallah celebration at the Murtala Mohammed Amusement Park, where people were having fun, disrupting the celebration and snatching mobile phones as people ran to escape the attacks.

When Contacted, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said 37 suspects were arrested from different locations in respect to the incidents.

“We responded to every situation, and we have been able to calm the situation, however, we are reviewing the incidents towards arriving at a permanent solution to the menace of thuggery and robberies in Minna,” he said.