Youth protest market relocation, block Niger highway

Youth in Lambata, Niger State, on Tuesday blocked the major highway leading into Minna, the state capital.
The youth were protesting the relocation of the Lambata market by the state government.

Hassan Adamu, a fish seller in Lambata, said that the road was blocked since Monday evening.

“The youths came out late night to block the road due to the stopping of market activities by government.

“The Izom people wanted the Lambata and Izom markets to operate simultaneously, but there is opposition from Lambata,” he said.

Elkana Bala, police spokesman, confirmed the blockage saying security had already been deployed to the venue.

“Our men have been deployed and situation will soon be under control. I urge all involved to be law abiding,” he told NAN.

As at 11:30 a.m, the bridge at Izom linking Minna and Suleja was still blocked by youth while tear gas was fired by police into the air to disperse them.

The crisis started with the killing of three Fulani herdsmen at the Lambata market a fortnight ago which led to the intervention of the state government.

(NAN)