Buhari vows to go tough on Shiite protesters, mourns loss of lives

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that perpetrators of the violence in the protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites, that led to deaths of some persons including a Channels Television reporter and a senior police officer in Abuja on Monday will not go unpunished, stressing that no government can tolerate unceasing affront to constituted authority.

“Let nobody or group doubt or test our will to act in the higher interest of the majority of our citizens,” a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), quoted the President saying.

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The President commiserated most deeply with the families of Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member with Channels Television, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar, of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, killed during the protest.

The President also condoled with the management and staff of the television station and police leadership over the loss, urging them to remain steadfast and committed to their professional callings.

Describing Owolabi and Umar as “law-abiding, hardworking and vibrant Nigerians with a promising future,” President Buhari calls their untimely death “sad, regrettable and worrisome.”

Sequel to his directive to the leadership of security and law enforcement agencies to safeguard the nation against such mindless attacks, the statement said President reassured residents of Abuja in particular and the country, in general, to go about their lawful activities without fear.

He prayed God Almighty to grant rest to the souls of the departed and speedy recovery to the injured.