A section of the Wuse Market in Abuja erupted in chaos on Tuesday as enraged civilian and traders set fire to shops and vehicles following an alleged shooting by a police officer attached to the Mobile Court within the market.
According to reliable sources within the Abuja Market Management Limited, the incident occurred after a man who had been charged and convicted attempted to escape and was reportedly shot by the police officer. In response, angry youths and traders took to the streets, leading to the burning of several shops and vehicles.
The Abuja Market Management Limited confirmed the incident, stating that the market had been cordoned off by the Nigeria Police Force to restore order, while efforts were underway by the FCT Fire Service to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage.
Innocent Amaechina, the Public Relations Officer of the AMML, lamented the loss of the Management’s office, as well as several shops and vehicles in the market.
One shop owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that tensions escalated after a police task force officer allegedly shot and killed an unarmed civilian. The shop owner recounted the chaos that ensued, with protesters targeting the prison bus and setting it ablaze.
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Efforts to reach the Director of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, were unsuccessful, and the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that she was gathering facts on the matter and would provide further details soon.
The incident has sparked concerns about police brutality and calls for justice for the victim. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as authorities work to restore calm in the affected area.
