DCP, Six Others Feared Dead as Shiites, Police Clash in Abuja

A Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Umar Bilel was among those killed as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites clashed with officers of the Nigerian Police on Monday in Abuja.

The protest by the Shiites turned violent around the Federal Secretariat.

Policemen who cordoned off the road leading to the National Assembly and the three arms zone disrupted the protest by the Shiites, firing teargas to disperse the protesters. The Shiites, who were demanding the release of their leader, Malam El Zakyzaky set a number of government properties ablaze.

DCP Bilel of the Operations Department of the Police Force was reportedly shot while trying to pacify the protesters. Reports said he was rushed to a hospital where he died shortly after.  A reporter with Channels TV too was reportedly hit by a bullet. A number of Shiites too were reportedly shot by the police.