Shi’ites vs Police: Channels TV reacts to death of its reporter, Precious Owolabi

Channels TV has reacted to the death of its reporter, Precious Owolabi, who
was shot during the clash between the police and Shiite protesters in Abuja yesterday.
The management and staff of the television station said they were saddened
by the untimely death of the promising journalist who was working with the TV
station as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to a statement by Channels TV, the 23-year-old died of a gunshot
wound he sustained while covering the clash between the police and the Shiite
protesters on Monday in Abuja.
The statement reads in part, “The management and staff of Channels
Television are greatly saddened by the untimely and unfortunate death of such
a promising journalist.
“We pray that God will grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable
loss, and avail his soul eternal rest.”
Newsmen reports that Owolabi was the second death to be formally
announced in connection with clash between Shiite protesters and the police.
The police earlier said they lost a deputy commissioner, Usman Umar, who was
in charge of Operations, FCT Command.
The officer who was immediately rushed to the hospital died moments later
while receiving treatment.
However, Islamic Movement of Nigeria claimed that said no fewer than six of
its members were killed during the bloody protest over the continued detention
of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.