…Seeks Immortalization of slain officer, compensation for family
…Demands immediate release of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the unprovoked killing of the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, FCT Police command; DCP Usman Umar during a protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiites in Abuja yesterday as it mourns with the Nigeria Police and lovers of peace in Nigeria.
The Executive Director, RULAAC, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma who made the condemnation in a statement in Lagos yesterday noted that the shooting of the DCP Umar by protesting members of the Shi’ites/ Islamic Movement in Nigeria was very condemnable and disheartening adding “We are disheartened that the DCP had to be killed when he approached the protesting members of the Islamic sect to appeal to them against use of violence”.
Nwanguma regretted that it was a matter for grave concern that members of the Movement had now taken to arms and were now attacking police officers.
He said, “Considering that this is happening at a time when the Nigerian government has shown incapacity or will to deal with the seemingly intractable menace of Boko Haram and the increasingly deteriorating state of insecurity in the country complicated by the murderous activities and banditry of Fulani herdsmen, the resort to armed violence by the hitherto relatively peaceful Shi’ites is a serious cause for concern.
“It is very unfortunate that the continued disregard for the rule of law and stubborn refusal by the Buhari government to heed voices of reason constantly calling on it to comply with court orders to release the leader of the group has led to this tragic and frightening turn of events.”
He added that the use of disproportionate force and violence by the military which led to the murder of hundreds of members of the group and the subsequent resort to violent repression of the group’s peaceful expression has radicalized its members who have all along displayed unmistakable determination to continue to agitate for the release of their leader who has been in prolonged detention in utter contempt for court orders.
“It is unfortunate that this government has refused to learn from history in order to avert the emergence of another terror group. It is unfortunate that an innocent and fine police officer has to pay the price for the indiscretion of a hard-hearted government. We mourn with the Nigeria Police and the family of the fallen officer”, he said.
The Executive Director posited that the President Muhammadu Buhari should prioritize the safety and security of citizens, abide by the rule of law and strengthen the security agencies adding that “This, President Buhari should immediately release the leader of the Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in obedience to the orders of Nigerian courts to avoid further beak down of law and order”, while calling for the fallen officer to be immortalized and his family adequately compensated.
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