Teenager Killed In Minna Gang Clash Over ‘Christmas Money’

A violent clash between rival gangs in Minna, Niger State, on Saturday, resulted in the death of a 15-year-old suspected hoodlum, Saidu Udu.

According to the Niger State Police Command, the altercation began at about 11:30 a.m. when over 50 armed miscreants from the Gurgudu area of Maitumbi and Kwari-Berger faced off over the sharing of Christmas money allegedly gifted to them by an unidentified benefactor.

In a statement released on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said, “On 21/12/2024 at about 11:30 hrs, some miscreants from the Gurgudu area of Maitumbi and Kwari-Berger 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.

“In a follow-up sting operation within the area, about five miscreants were arrested. They are currently undergoing investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing hoodlums.”

Residents in the area who spoke to Punch described the chaotic scene as the rival groups clashed, each wielding knives, cutlasses, and daggers.

“These area boys are always coming here to threaten us, but today, they were more than 50. Initially, we thought they were one group, but we later discovered they were two groups arguing. From their argument, it was clear they had received Christmas money from someone but couldn’t agree on the sharing formula.

“They started threatening each other with their weapons until one of them was stabbed, and then everyone started running helter-skelter,” Malik Nurudeen, recounted.

The victim, Udu, was reportedly stabbed in the stomach and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Residents of the community lamented the increasing frequency of gang-related violence in Minna, which is locally known as Yan Daba or Area Boys.

The criminal elements terrorise neighborhoods, rob, and attack innocent residents.

While reacting to the incident, Police Commissioner Shawulu Danmamman reiterated his commitment to ensuring safety during the festive season, and urged residents to report suspicious activities.

Teenager Killed In Minna Gang Clash Over ‘Christmas Money’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper