Two guards injured as ‘robbers attack’ Emir’s palace in Niger

Two guards were reportedly injured as suspected robbers attacked the emir’s palace in Minna, the Niger state capital.

Bologi Ibrahim, chief press secretary to the governor, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

Hamza Tatiko, spokesperson of the Niger chapter of the national youth council of Nigeria, said the incident occurred at about 4pm on Tuesday.

Tatiko said the robbers had followed a palace cashier who was returning from the bank with money meant for the emirate council.

He said they shot sporadically into the air, causing panic among residents.

Umar Bago, governor of Niger, described the incident as unfortunate, adding that it is a total “disregard for traditional institutions”.

“Niger State governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago has condemned the robbery attack on the cashier of the emir of Minna, Ibrahim Sani,” the statement reads.

“This is highly unfortunate to have this kind of situation not just in the state capital but at the emir’s palace.

“My administration will not condone this act. I charge the security agencies to investigate and fish out the criminals with a view to prosecuting them.”

The two guards have been taken to the General Hospital in Minna for treatment.

Efforts to reach Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in Niger, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.