Tragic: Deputy commissioner of police and a Channels TV reporter confirmed dead in bloody Shiite protest

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, FCT Command, DCP Usman A.K Umar, was shot and fatally injured in the course of the protest. Mr Umar, who was straight away rushed to the hospital, died moments later whilst receiving treatment.

Additionally a reporter with Channels Television, Precious Owolabi has died from a gunshot wound sustained while covering a conflict between Shiites and police in the Central Business District of Abuja on Monday.

Mr. Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, was shot in the belly as hundreds of protesters from the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) marched demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been held since December 2015 on charges which include terrorism

“The management and staff of Channels Television are significantly saddened by the premature and unlucky death of such a promising journalist. “They pray that God will grant his household the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and avail his soul everlasting rest,” Channels stated in an announcement asserting the 23-year-old’s death.

“Nigerian authorities investigate and make certain those responsible for his death are held accountable,” the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, FCT Command, DCP Usman A.K Umar, was once additionally shot and fatally injured in the course of the protest. Mr. Umar, who was straight away rushed to the hospital, died moments later whilst receiving treatment.

Protesters burnt down a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) response post close to the Federal Secretariat, Abuja and two (2) vehicles.

Police opened fire with live ammunition as nicely as tear gas, while protesters threw petrol bombs at the officers, in accordance with an AFP journalist who noticed six bodies, which includes that of a teenager.

Force spokesman, Frank Mba, stated in a declaration that fifty-four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents.

“The suspects are undergoing interrogation and will be arraigned in court as quickly as possible,” Mr. Mba said.

Amnesty International condemned the police motion as a “reckless use of force”.