The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani has expressed sadness over the Thursday burning of Digitaal Innovation Park in Kano by protesters of “endbadgovernance ” .
Tijani said the burning of the park slated for commissioning next week was a sad development and a setback to government efforts to create digital jobs for thousands of young graduates in Kano.
Aside burning the building hosting the park, protesters also looted computers, office items and other digital, furniture. equipment in the building.
“Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.
“Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week.
“A slight setback for our journey to deepening our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain,” Tijani said.
Meanwhile, it is reported that at least six protesters have been killed in Suleja, Niger State.
The were shot by bullets fired by security operatives attempting to disperse a group of protesters who had barricaded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters, mostly youths, had outnumbered the initial team of policemen at the scene, prompting a reinforcement team to be deployed.
The situation quickly spiralled out of control, leading to pandemonium.
Among the victims was Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet while riding his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division.
“He was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division when a stray bullet hit him on the chest, and he died on the spot,” Isah’s nephew said.
Another victim, identified as Mallam Abu, also died instantly. Witnesses reported that three others were shot at the same scene, while two more were injured at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road. (vitalnewsngr.com)
