Tension escalated on Thursday at the popular Top Medical Junction in the Tunga area of Minna, Niger State capital, as gunshots were fired into the air when protesters attempted to block the road.

Earlier, police had deployed teargas to disperse the protesters, who subsequently regrouped and aimed to set up a roadblock on the busy thoroughfare.

In response, the policemen on the ground fired gunshots into the air to scare the protesters away.

Upon arrival at the scene, DailyTrust observed policemen and vigilantes removing stones that the protesters had used to barricade a section of the road.

The security presence in Minna has been significantly increased, with operatives from the police, military, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps taking over perceived hotspots.

This includes the popular Kpakungu Roundabout on Minna-Bida Road, where a protest had occurred earlier this year.

According to Daily Trust, markets and shops in the area were closed for fear of looting. The heightened security measures aim to prevent any escalation of violence and ensure the safety of residents and businesses.

The state government and security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely to maintain peace and order in the city.

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