Shiite protest: Buhari mourns Channels TV reporter, deputy police commissioner

Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of Precious Owolabi, a Channels Television reporter, who died during the clash between the police and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Owolabi, 23, was a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on Tuesday, President Buhari also condoled with the family of Usman Umar, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, who also died in the clash.

The president, who condoled with the management and staff of the television station and police leadership over the losses, urged them to remain steadfast and committed to their professional callings.

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

The president urged all Nigerians to go about their lawful activities without fear.

Buhari added that the perpetrators of the mayhem would not go unpunished, stressing that no government could tolerate unceasing affront to constituted authority.

“Let nobody or group doubt or test our will to act in the higher interest of majority of our citizens,” he said.