President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the leadership of security and law enforcement agencies to safeguard the nation against the kind of mindless attacks that took place in Abuja on Monday, leading to the death of a deputy commissioner of police, Usman Umar, a Channels TV reporter, Precious Owolabi, 11 Shi’ite members, and injury to many others.
Commiserating with the families of the police chief and Owolabi as well as the Police and Channels Television, the President reassures residents of Abuja in particular and the country in general to go about their lawful activities without fear.
He however adds that perpetrators of the mayhem will not go unpunished, stressing that no government can tolerate unceasing affront to constituted authority.
According to the President, “Let nobody or group doubt or test our will to act in the higher interest of majority of our citizens.”
In a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, in reaction to the violent protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja on Monday, he urged the Channels TV staff and management as well as the Police 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 fate “sad, regrettable and worrisome.”
He prays God Almighty to grant rest to the souls of the departed and speedy recovery to the injured.
