There was pandemonium in Abuja on Friday as police and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ites clashed at Berger round about in Abuja.
According to a member of the IMN, Yahaya Friday, the police opened fire on them during their regular protest in the nation’s capital.
A police officer was killed During the clash.The police authorities said he was stabled by one of the protesters.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said it restored calm at Berger Round-About after professionally dispersing a violent protest by some members of the proscribed IMN.
A statement by the FCT police command spokesperson, ASP Yusuf Mariam, said: “Unfortunately, the members of the disbanded sect went on a rampage destroying public property and attacking innocent citizens, including Police Officers using dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, sharp knives, etc.
“Sadly, one of the Police Officers, ASP Adama Ezekiel, deployed to restore calm during the violent protest paid the supreme price as a result of the brutal attack where he was stabbed by one of the irate protesters.
“Forty-nine (49) members of the sect were arrested and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police CP. Bala Ciroma, wishes to commiserate with the family of the deceased Officer who paid the supreme price in service to the Nation.
“Furthermore, the Command wishes to state that it will not condone further attacks on its personnel, equipment or other public property by members of the proscribed group.
“The Command implores residents to remain calm, law-abiding while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within the FCT.”
