A Channels Television reporter has been hit by a stray bullet as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites clashed with officers of the Nigeria Police in Abuja.
The protest by the Shiites turned violent on Monday in Abuja, including the environs of the Federal Secretariat.
Policemen who cordoned off the road leading to the National Assembly and the three arms zone disrupted the protest by the Shiites, firing teargas to disperse the crowd.
Properties of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja were set ablaze as Shiites protesters occupied the central area in protest.
The protest also led to a clash between the protesters and police officers who dispersed the crowd.
Several gunshots were also fired during the protest.
The protesters are demanding for the release of their leader El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015.
Meanwhile, Police Inspector General, Mr. Adamu has briefed President Muhammadu Buhari about the violence.
Adamu disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday when he met the President at the Aso Villa in Abuja.
He said the President directed him to provide security for every Nigerian.
The President summoned the police boss following the latest in a series of protests by the Shiites in the nation’s capital.
At least three of the protests by the Shiite group since the beginning of July have turned violent, leading to clashes with police personnel and people injured from both sides.
The protesters are calling on the Federal Government to release their leader, Ibrahim Elzakzaky, who was taken into custody since 2015.
Monday’s protest turned violent as members of the Shiite group clashed with police and in the process, a Channels Television reporter was hit by a stray bullet.
Shortly after the incident, the police, in a statement, asked Nigerians to remain calm while residents of Abuja were advised to avoid the affected areas.
The police said in the statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, a deputy commissioner, that “There is a violent protest currently ongoing by members of the El-Zakzakky Group in some parts of the FCT – particularly the Central Business District and the Three Arms Zone.
The Police are taking adequate measures to bring the situation under control.
Citizens are advised to remain calm and avoid the affected areas in the interim. The Police will keep the public abreast with further development.”
