Six suspects have been arrested following a violent clash between secondary school students in Niger State.
The altercation occurred on Friday between students from Annur Islamic Model School in Chaichainiya and local youths from Zuma Bread, both located in the Suleja Local Government Area.
According to witnesses, the dispute began over issues related to romantic relationships but quickly escalated into a full-blown altercation within the community.
Over 20 youths, led by Umar Idris, a student in Senior Secondary School 3, reportedly stormed the area armed with dangerous weapons.
The confrontation escalated when gunshots were fired, injuring two minors, aged 10 and 11, both of whom sustained thigh injuries.
The Niger State Police swiftly responded to the incident after receiving a distress call. Officers, along with local vigilantes, were deployed to restore order.
The injured minors were rushed to Suleja General Hospital for treatment, while six individuals were taken into custody.
Authorities are working with school officials to identify and apprehend additional students involved in the violence.
This incident follows a series of similar violent confrontations involving students at higher learning institutions. In 2023, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) was closed for two weeks after a clash between students and the surrounding community.
Additionally, last year, University of Benin (UNIBEN) student government officials clashed with security personnel during a dispute involving Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Edo State.
