One killed as police, Shi’ites clash in Abuja

By Gbenga Omokhunu and Nicholas Kalu, Abuja

One passer-by was killed on Monday when the police allegedly fired gunshots and tear gas canisters to disperse members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) protesting near Berger area of Wuse in Abuja.

The protest started from Utako and passed through Berger, where it ended due to the killing.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that commuters and other members of the public ran for safety when the incident occurred.  The police reportedly removed the body to an unknown destination.

The Shi’ites have been demanding the unconditional release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenat, who are detained by the government in a correctional facility in Kaduna State.

Another eyewitness, Musa Aliu, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “We were waiting to board a vehicle going to Kubwa when suddenly the police started chasing the IMN members. In the process, one passer-by was hit by bullet and he died instantly. All of us around the area ran for our lives. I had to move away from the area, waited for a while in a hiding place before coming back to find a vehicle to Kubwa.

“I wonder why the police used life bullets to disperse the protesters.”  The policemen on the ground declined to comment on the incident.

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Also, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner Bala Ciroma yesterday ordered an investigation into the killing.  A statement by the command’s spokesman Anjuguri Manzah, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said the Shi’ite members went berserk and were attacking innocent citizens.

It reads: “The FCT Police Command has successful restored calm around Berger round-about after a violent protest by members of the proscribed IMN who went berserk on January 21, 2020, and were attacking innocent citizens and police operatives with dangerous weapons.

“As a result of the unfortunate incident, one person who sustained injury and was taken to the hospital for medical attention has been certified dead by medical doctors on duty.

“Meanwhile, CP Ciroma has ordered a full-scale investigation into the unfortunate incident.”