A Shiites protest which held yesterday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja turned very violent and led to the loss of four lives (including that of a young corps member).
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites had been protesting the detention of their leader, Ibrahim El Zakzaky and his wife Zeenah who were both arrested in 2015 on murder charges. The group, which has been protesting since El Zakzaky’s arrest have a history of facing off with law enforcement. The protest yesterday turned very violent, forcing the police to open teargas on the protesters and fire at them.
The police recorded four deaths in the mayhem, which included Precious Owolabi, a Youth Corps member who was interning with Channels TV and was at the scene to cover the protest. Also, a Deputy Commissioner of Police of the FCT Command, Usman Umar and two of the Shiites protesters were killed in the incident. President Buhari, today, expressed his regret at the incident and sent his condolences to the families of Owolabi and the slain police officer via his official Twitter account.
I most deeply commiserate with the families of Precious Owolabi, an NYSC member with @channelstv, & Deputy Commissioner of @PoliceNG, Usman Umar, of the FCT Police Command, who died during the violent protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja yesterday.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) July 23, 2019
I want to reassure residents of Abuja in particular and the country in general to go about their lawful activities without fear. The leadership of our security and law enforcement agencies are taking action to safeguard the nation against such mindless attacks.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) July 23, 2019
May the Almighty God grant rest to the souls of the departed and speedy recovery to the injured.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) July 23, 2019
He also took time to assure residents of Abuja and citizens of the country that the law enforcement agencies are taking necessary actions to make sure that the recurrence of such ‘mindless attacks’ is avoided at all cost. He also stated that nobody or group should test the will of the nation’s leadership to act in the interest of most of the citizens.
He prayed that God will grant rest to the souls of the departed ones and for the speedy recovery of all the injured people.