A violent clash between rival gangs in Minna, Niger State, on Saturday resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy, Saidu Udu, and the arrest of five suspects.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, noting that their patrol team responded to reports of the violence but found that most of the hoodlums had fled.

Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun disclosed via a WhatsApp message that the confrontation occurred between miscreants from the Gurgudu area of Maitumbi and Kwari-Berger.

“On 21/12/2024 at about 11:30 hrs, some miscreants… attacked each other, leading to the death of one Saidu Udu, 15, of Gurgudu. A police patrol team from Maitumbi Division moved to the scene, but the miscreants had escaped. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Abiodun stated.

Clash Over Christmas Money

Eyewitnesses revealed that the altercation, involving over 50 hoodlums armed with knives and daggers, stemmed from a disagreement over the sharing of Christmas money allegedly given to them by an unidentified benefactor.

“These area boys are always coming here to threaten us, but today, they were more than 50… From their argument, it was clear they had received Christmas money but couldn’t agree on the sharing formula,” a resident, Malik Nurudeen, recounted.

The disagreement escalated into violence, with Udu being fatally stabbed in the stomach.

Community Concerns

Residents of Minna have expressed growing concern over the recurring menace of hoodlum violence in the city. Many lamented that frequent clashes leave victims injured, robbed, or killed, with criminal elements, locally known as Yan Daba (Area Boys), often evading arrest and resuming their activities.

The Police Commissioner, Shawulu Danmamman, had previously assured the public of heightened security during the festive season, but residents are urging for more proactive measures to address the recurring threat.

Police Investigation

Following a sting operation, five suspects were arrested and are currently undergoing investigation, according to the police. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members.

The incident highlights the urgent need for authorities to address the growing issue of gang violence in Niger State, particularly during festive periods when such clashes tend to escalate.