Police Arrest 40 Shiite Members Over Invasion of National Assembly
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The FCT Police Command on Tuesday said it has arrested 40 members of the El-Zakzakky Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), in connection with the violent protest at the National Assembly, Abuja.
This is just as the police said that it foiled a violent move by members of the sect to forcefully invade the National Assembly, adding that investigation into the incident is in progress.
The FCT Police command stressed that while it recognizes and respects the right of citizens to peaceful procession, it however warned that an attempt by any individual or group of persons to cause the breakdown of law and order will not be tolerated.
It said that those arrested in the process will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate law of the land.
The police said the group which started its activity, camouflaged in a peaceful procession became violent and were trying to force their way into the National Assembly.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, DSP Anjuguri Manzah said police operatives on the ground, acted proactively, professionally and used minimum force to disperse the unruly protesters.
Manzah also said that members of the sect during the violent protest shot two police personnel on the leg, while clubs and stones were used to inflict injuries on six other policemen.
He said that the injured policemen have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The police enjoined members of the public to go on with their lawful activities as normalcy has been restored, adding that adequate security measures have been emplaced by the Command to forestall any security breach.
