A reporter with Channels Television, Precious Owolabi, has died from gunshot wound sustained while covering a clash between Shiites and police in the Central Business District of Abuja on Monday.
Mr Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, was shot in the stomach as hundreds of protesters from the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) marched demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been held since December 2015 on charges including terrorism.
“The management and staff of Channels Television are greatly saddened by the untimely and unfortunate death of such a promising journalist.
“They pray that God will grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and avail his soul eternal rest,” Channels said in a statement announcing the 23-year-old’s death.
“Nigerian authorities should investigate and ensure those responsible for his death are held accountable,” the Committee to Protect Journalists said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, FCT Command, DCP Usman A.K Umar, was also shot and fatally injured during the protest.
Mr Umar, who was immediately rushed to the hospital, died moments later while receiving treatment.
Protesters burnt down a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) response post close to the Federal Secretariat, Abuja and two (2) vehicles.
Police opened fire with live ammunition as well as tear gas, while protesters threw petrol bombs at the officers, according to an AFP journalist who saw six bodies, including that of a teenager.
Force spokesman, Frank Mba, said in a statement that 54 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
“The suspects are undergoing interrogation and will be arraigned in court as soon as possible,” Mr Mba said.
Amnesty International condemned the police action as a “reckless use of force”.
“This new crackdown is part of a shocking pattern in which security forces have used live ammunition to disperse IMN supporters who are simply exercising their freedom of expression,” the rights group said.
