Mob attacks Chinese nationals, police officers after ‘hit-and-run’ accident

Three Chinese nationals and police escort have reportedly been attacked by angry mob after a hit-and-run accident along the Mokwa-Makera highway in Niger state.

A statement on Monday by Wasui Abiodun, the police spokesperson in the state, said the foreign nationals were on their way to inspect a mining site in Sakaba LGA of Kebbi when the incident occurred.

Abiodun said the the expatriates — identified as Wang Sheng Guo, Zhou Oin Sheng, and Ding Xue Cai — were being escorted by police officers before their vehicle knocked down one Fatima Abubakar, a 15-year-old girl, at Tashan Hajiya village.

“On 16/3/2025 at about 1200hrs, a Toyota SUV vehicle with Reg No SML 61 JJ conveying three Chinese expatriates to Sakaba Kebbi state, and on reaching Tashan-Hajiya village, along Mokwa-Makera road, the vehicle hit a girl, Fatima Abubakar 15yrs and refused to stop,” the statement reads.

He noted that local motorcycle riders went after their SUV towards Manigi Village through Mashegu LGA, after the Chinese nationals refused to stop.

The police spokesperson said the vehicle’s tyre got bursted during the chase, and an irate mob immediately attacked the vehicle, causing damages.

It said the police team from Mashegu division intervened and rescued the expatriates and the officers unhurt, adding that the victim has been rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

“Consequently, the vehicle was pursued by motorcyclists in the area towards Manigi village while the vehicle’s tyre got bursted along the way and an irate mob attempted to attack,” Abiodun said.

“However, police operatives of Mashegu division led by the DPO were able to quickly intervene and rescue the expatriates and the escort from the mob attack.

“Normalcy was restored, as no life was lost, the accident victim was taken to a nearby hospital and she is responding to treatment, but the vehicle was damaged.”