Tragedy struck in the ancient city of Zaria yesterday as a bride-to-be and four teenagers lost their lives during a protest that turned violent.
The incident occurred in the heart of the city, sparking outrage and sorrow among the residents.
The protest, initially a peaceful demonstration against bad governance and the high cost of living in Nigeria, quickly escalated into clashes between the demonstrators and security forces.
Witnesses reported that the bride-to-be, identified as 25-year-old Amina Danjumal, was on her way to finalize wedding preparations when she got caught in the chaos.
The four teenagers, aged between 14 and 17, were reportedly part of the protest. They were identified as Sani, Lawal, Aisha, and Suleiman. According to eyewitness accounts, the security forces attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in the fatal injuries.
The death of Amina, who was set to marry next week, has particularly devastated the local community. Her family, in deep mourning, described her as a vibrant young woman full of dreams and hopes for the future.
Human rights groups have condemned the excessive use of force by the security personnel, calling for reforms and better handling of civil demonstrations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, the call for peace and justice in Zaria continues to resonate, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing unrest in the region.
