On Tuesday afternoon, March 12th, traders in Wuse Market, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, erupted in fury following the fatal shooting of a hawker. According to an unidentified witness, the hawker was arrested and brought before a mobile court within the market. After being fined, the young man, unable to pay, was being transported to prison. In a desperate attempt to escape punishment, he jumped from the vehicle, only to be shot by a prison warden.
The tragic incident released a widespread chaos and traffic congestion, with people running in all directions to seek safety. The immediate death of the young hawker provoked anger among Hausa traders and hoodlums, who began setting shops ablaze and wreaking havoc, according to the witness.
Upon the police’s arrival, they blocked the market entrance to prevent further entry, resorting to firing shots occasionally and deploying tear gas to clear the agitated crowd. The northern side car park bore the brunt of the mob’s rage, with several vehicles destroyed by the following blaze.
Innocent Amaechina, PRO of AMML, acknowledged the fire outbreak, revealing that office vehicles and other shops fell victim to the flames. A senior official from Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) also confirmed the incident.
This incident is likely to incite anger and unrest among the masses. It could lead to heightened tensions, protests, and demands for justice from both the local community and broader society. The incident may also raise questions about law enforcement practices, judicial procedures, and the treatment of vulnerable individuals, sparking discussions and calls for reforms.
