For the umpteenth time, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiite on Monday violently clashed with the police. Many people were reportedly injured in the clash at the Federal Secretariat.
The group clashed with the police at the federal secretariat during a protest to compel the Federal Government to release it’s leader.
Protesting members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria during gunshot melee with police shot dead a senior police officer, DCP Umar, who was in charge of Operations at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Umar was reportedly gunned down as he tried to pacify the rampaging Shi’ite members who disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movement during their protest at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, today.
He was immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital where he gave up the ghost.
Our correspondent who was at the Force headquarters saw policemen mourning the deceased who they described as a very kind man.
A police Inspector said, “The DCP was a very good man. We were at the mosque last Friday when he saw one man looking so haggard. The man told him how he had not been paid for over 14 months because he was unable to complete his IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information.)
“On hearing that the man was an Inspector, DCP Umar hugged him and immediately made calls to the officers in charge of the platform and the budget office. Today, the Inspector has been directed to come to the IPPIS office for enrollment on the platform. His death is so shocking.”
A Channels TV reporter was also hit in the stomach by a stray bullet. He has been rushed to hospital. Several cars and properties were also burnt by the violent protesters.
The Shiites are demanding the release of their leader, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who the federal government has kept in detention despite several court orders for his release.
The protest, which began from NITEL junction at Wuse 2, was disrupted by armed policemen who had cordoned off the road leading to the National Assembly and three arms zone.
The protest, which began from NITEL junction at Wuse 2, was disrupted by armed policemen who had cordoned off the road leading to the National Assembly and three arms zone.
Those injured were looking lifeless when our correspondent visited the scene on Monday.
Live ammunition was fired at the protesters as they advanced toward the Eagle Square leading to commotion and pandemonium in the area.
