Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps member serving with Channels Television, was killed Monday in the clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiites, and Police in Abuja, the TV station has confirmed.
Channels’ confirmation came on its 10pm major news bulletin, with Ijeoma Onyeator, the newscaster, pausing after a report on the deadly clash, to announce Precious’ death, saying he was hit in the stomach by a stray bullet. Precious was part of Channels’ team covering the protest.
Channels reporter in the presentation reported seeing bodies of people who had been killed in the protest, with the camera capturing two of such bodies lying on the road. Gun shots rang out behind her, with fires burning amidst the violent protests.
Among those killed in the protest was a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar, who was reportedly shot dead by IMN members, according to the Police. Two other Police officer were injured, while 54 protesters were arrested, the Police said.
The Shiites have been protesting against the continued detention of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzakky, who has been in detention since 2015.
