FCT police deny any Shiites were killed in yesterday's clashes saying only 115 were arrested

POLICE in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have denied claims that any member of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) were killed in yesterday's clashes pointing out that 115 of them were arrested and remain unharmed.

Yesterday, members of the IMN and the police were involved in running battles across Abuja as the sect organised a demonstration to demand the release of its leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Police dispersed the demonstrators with tear gas, shutting down large parts of the FCT as security men and IMN members were involved in a series of running battles.

It was reported than dozens of the sects members had been killed by the police but the FCT Police Command denied this, pointing out that there were only arrests and that normalcy had returned to parts of Maitama where the clashes took place.  Police spokesman Anjuguri Manzah, said that sequel to the restoration of normalcy in the nation’s capital, 115 members of the state were arrested and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Mr Manzah added: “The FCT Police Command restored normalcy in parts of Maitama following a violent protest by members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement in Nigeria who went on the rampage on Monday, 16th April, 2018 and were attacking innocent citizens, disrupting business activities, obstructing traffic movement and smashing windscreen of vehicles in the affected areas. Following the unfortunate incident which also resulted in the destruction of some government and police operational vehicles, the members of the Shiite group also injured 22 police personnel during the protest.

“Exhibits recovered include catapults, iron bars, stones, ball bearings and pink head bands. The FCT Police Command hereby warn members of Shiites movement from further disrupting the peace, harmony and free flow of traffic."

He also urged members of the public particularly parents not to allow their children or wards to be used as instrument of violence in any demonstration by any group that could jeopardise public peace and harmony. According to the police, anyone caught in the act of violent demonstration or any act capable of causing the breach of public peace will be made to face the wrath of the law.

“Meanwhile, the command wishes to state that contrary to speculations from some sections of the media, no life was lost in the violent protest as the police operatives deployed to quell the protest were professional in handling the situation,” Mr Manzah added.