The police command in Niger has nabbed eleven violent protesters for allegedly attempting to set ablaze Tafa Local Government Secretariat during the nationwide protests.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Waisu Abiodun, disclosed in Minna on Thursday that the hoodlums partially burnt part of the secretariat and looted valuable items.

He explained that at about 9:30 a.m., some miscreants from Tafa area of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Hayin-Diko of Gurara Council Area of Niger stormed the secretariat located in Sabon-Wuse along Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

Mr Abiodun said the hoodlums vandalised and partially set ablaze the secretariat, burnt two vehicles as well as vandalised two others.

He said the hoodlums went further to loot valuables inside offices in the secretariat, adding that in the process, police and other security agencies responded to the scene.

Mr Abiodun said that eleven miscreants were nabbed with different dangerous weapons, including firearms, while others were dispersed from the scene, and some of the looted items were recovered.

He added that the police and other security agencies responded to the blockage of the Kaduna-Abuja expressway and the old toll gate to disperse the hoodlums who blocked it.

Mr Abiodun said the expressway has been reopened for free flow of traffic, adding that investigation into the violent act has commenced with a view to nabbing the other fleeing miscreants.

He warned the public, parents and residents to caution their wards against engaging in violent protests and destruction of public assets as such actions would not be tolerated.

Mr Abiodun warned, “anyone caught engaging in violent demonstrations and any act of lawlessness would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.”

(NAN)