End Shiites excesses — Buhari orders IGP Adamu

Following another round of violent protests in Abuja on Monday by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also know as Shiites, President Muhammadu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to put a stop to the group’s excesses.

Besides taming the Shiites protesters, the President gave a directive that the police authorities must ensure security of lives and property in all parts of the country.

A few days earlier, Buhari had warned he group, whose leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is detained and undergoing government prosecution, to desist from the protests as no amount of street demonstrations will make him order the release of their leader.

After the police IGP met behind closed doors with the President, he spoke with State House correspondents, saying that: “I came this morning to brief Mr. President on the security situation in the country, especially the activities of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN); just to give him an update on what is happening in the country vis a vis their activities.

“Specifically I briefed him of the incessant act coming out of this group of people, protesting here and there. We briefed him on the fact that we have been able to curtail their excesses and to let him understand that everything is under control.”

Asked about the President’s reaction to the briefing, the police chief said that “the President asked us to make sure we provide security for every citizen of this country and not to leave any space that some group of people will create breakdown of law and order. So, the charge by Mr. President is that we must provide security for every Nigerian”.

Undisclosed number of the Shiite protesters and a senior police officer were believed to have died in Monday’s fracas.