A stray bullet allegedly fired by a vigilante in an attempt to disperse hoodlums has killed a 12-year-old boy, Adnan Bulana.

The incident happened in the Soje ‘A’ area of Minna, the Niger State capital.

The vigilantes had reportedly gone to the area to arrest suspected miscreants but that they resisted arrest and started throwing stones, leading to gunshots and the use of teargas.

Residents said the teenager was sent on an errand by his mother when he fell victim of the confrontation between the vigilantes and suspected miscreants.

In another incident, one person was stabbed at Anguwan-Roka, Maitumbi, Minna, during a clash between rival groups of hoodlums.

The spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed both incidents.

“On 1st April, 2025, at about 1220hrs, report received indicated that a yet-to-be-identified group/vigilante invaded Soje A community to arrest miscreants in the area, but in the process, the suspected miscreants attacked the said group and as a result, the group fired gunshots and unfortunately, stray pellets hit one Adnan Bulana, 12 years old.”

He added that, “Consequently, a group of youths mobilised and attacked the vigilante office in Kpakungu. Police patrol teams were moved to the area, and normalcy was restored. The victim was rushed to the general hospital Minna, where he was confirmed dead.

“However, an investigation into the incident has commenced with a view to identify and effect arrest accordingly.”

Abiodun also confirmed that, “On 31st March, 2025, at about 1200hrs, youths of Angwan-Roka, Maitumbi, engaged themselves in a fight, and as a result, one Safaryu Musa of the same area was stabbed in the stomach. He was taken to a nearby clinic where he was receiving treatment.”