El-Zakzaky: Shi’ites Deny Killing DCP, Burning NEMA Outpost

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites have denied killing Usman Umar, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of operations.

Naija News reports that Shiites members on Monday clashed with operatives of the Nigeria Police which resulted in the killing of a DCP, a Channels reporter, Precious Owolabi and six IMN members.

Speaking with Daily Post in Abuja, Abdullahi Musa, the Secretary of IMN’s Academic Forum, also denied that the sect burnt the outpost of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

He stated that the protest had been peaceful before armed policemen attempted to forcefully disperse them near the Federal Secretariat.

“Security forces led by the Nigerian police shot at our members and injured many others. I can confirm to you that, we have carried away six dead bodies belonging to our members,” Musa said.

“The security agents also lifted some corpses to unknown destinations. We are yet to account for some of our members who came out to protest today. We believe the number of casualties may increase before today ends.”

He accused security operatives of being behind the killing of DCP Usman Umar and the burning of government properties.

“No member of our movement was involved in the setting ablaze of vehicles and the outpost of NEMA as alleged. But we know the authorities have been making frantic efforts to blackmail us and sway the public sympathy against IMN and Sheikh El-Zakzaky.

“We are aware the police have been sending paid agents in plain clothes to infiltrate our meetings and disturb public peace in the name of IMN.

“But the Nigerian people are already frustrated and oppressed by this administration. The government can’t get the public sympathy they desire, because its agents are committing crimes against humanity.”