Nigeria Federal Capital went up in flame today, as police and soldiers fired gun and tear gas canisters in the battle with members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiites, who again staged demonstration around Eagle Square, close to the National Assembly.
Between 1.00 and 2.00 pm, the Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat and area around the Central District of Abuja were charged as the rat-ta-tat firing of the security agents sent motorists and pedestrians scampering to safety.
Smokes from the canisters of teargas in the front of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters equally sent motorists and pedestrians scampering again back and forth.
The protest by the IMN member was said to have began from NITEL junction at Wuse 2 and armed policemen went into action immediately to cordon off the road leading to the National Assembly and three arms zone.
In the melee, a member of the IMN was shot dead even as a reporter of Channels Television also received gunshot, possibly, from stray bullet and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Those who were injured were seen lying almost lifeless even as the security agents continued to fire at the protesters as they advanced toward the Eagle Square.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, has promoptly confirmed the incidence and said that the situation has been brought under control, even as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu briefed President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Police boss told new men at the Villa that he had gone to brief the President on the security situation in the country, “especially the activities of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
“Specifically, we briefed him on the incessant act coming out of this group of people, protesting here and there. We briefed him on the fact that we have been able to curtail their excesses and to let him understand that everything is under control.”
Mohammed Adamu said that President asked him and his officers to make sure that they provide security for every citizen of this country and not to leave any space that some group of people will create breakdown of law and order.
“So, the charge by Mr. President is that we must provide security for every Nigerian.”
