One reportedly killed as thugs set ablaze the popular Wuse market in Abuja

Edited by Afolabi Hannah

ABUJA—A portion of the renowned trading hub, Wuse Market, in Abuja was engulfed in flames yesterday following the alleged killing of a criminal suspect by a security operative.

The identity of the officer involved, whether a police officer or a Prison officer, remained uncertain as conflicting reports emerged.

Infuriated traders and thugs expressed outrage over the shooting of the suspect, who had been convicted by a Mobile Court but attempted to evade lawful custody.

An anonymous senior official from the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML) confirmed the incident, disclosing that the agency’s office was also set on fire.

The convict, who had been found guilty of an undisclosed crime, tried to escape while being taken into custody and was subsequently shot.

The chaos that ensued triggered panic in the area, resulting in numerous injuries as people scrambled for safety.

The full extent of the damage was unknown at the time, but reports indicated that multiple shops and vehicles were torched.

AMML spokesperson, Innocent Amaechina, indicated that firefighters were on-site with the police securing the location.