By Timothy Elerewe
This is the pathetic story of how a reporter with the Channels Television, Preciuos Owolabi and a Police officer, DSP Usman Umar died in the course of duty.
They reportedly died during gun battle between the police and the Shiites in Abuaja. Precious a corps member serving with Channels TV was among those killed in the clash
This is as a result of sustained protests by members of the Shi’ite Islamic Movement over alleged government’s unwillingness to release their leader, El-Zakzaky detained since 2015 snowballed into a shootout confrontation with the Police in Abuja leaving in its wake, many people dead including a Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The exchange of bullets between the protesters and the police also left many people injured and properties damaged.
The group which has daily staged its protest to release its leader in Federal Capital Territory in recent time, went violent early this month when the members were prevented from gaining access into the National Assembly by Security Agents manning the gates when they attacked them and destroyed public and private properties.
A Channels Television Cameraman was also among those seriously injured in Monday’s confrontation while an Ambulance vehicle belonging to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stationed at the vicinity of the federal secretariat was set ablaze.
The DCP who was fell by the protesters’ bullets was identified as Usman Umar. He was confirmed dead at the hospital.
Before his death, DCP Umar was in charge of FCT police operations who also served as DPO in several divisions in FCT command including Utako divisional headquarters where the news of his death has thrown the division into spontaneous mourning.
The Police is yet to react to Monday’s incident but a statement was being expected as at press time. National Waves will bring you the full detail later
