One killed as police disperse protesting Shi’ites in Abuja

A young man identified as Muhsin Abdallah was killed on Monday as police dispersed protesting members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria at Maitama, Abuja.

The deceased was reportedly hit by stray bullets believed to have been fired by police operatives while many others were also said to have sustained injuries.

The Shi’ites were demanding the release of their detained leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife when the incident occurred.

The IMN spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, alleged that “the police fired on the Shi’ites procession killing Muhsin Abdallah and injuring scores of others”.

But the Federal Capital Territory Police Command which was silent on Abdalla’s demise said its men dispersed the IMN procession after the protesters went on a rampage destroying public property and attacking police officers, including citizens.

The command spokesperson, Mariam Yusuf, said the operatives “successfully restored calm at Maitama after professionally dispersing a violent protest by some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria”.

Yusuf in a statement noted that “Unfortunately, the members of the disbanded sect went on a rampage destroying public property and attacking innocent citizens including police officers with stones and other dangerous objects

“In view of the above, the Command wishes to state that it will not condone any form of attack on its personnel, equipment, or other public property. The Command implores residents to remain calm and law-abiding while reaffirming of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within the FCT.”

The police presented pictures of injured police officers and a damaged patrol van. Punch