Shiite members storm National Assembly, shot policeman, NSCDC officer

*Police arrest 40 protesters for violent attack
* House of Reps adjourns sitting

Protesting members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, yesterday forced their way into the National Assembly complex premises.

They injured policemen, burnt down vehicles and destroyed buildings.

The IMN members’ invasion forced the House of Representatives to adjourn sitting till today.

The Shi’ites, numbering over 100, broke down the first gate into the National Assembly about 1.30p.m. and proceeded to the second gate, which serves as the main entrance to the complex.

The security operatives at the second gate, however, repelled the protesters with gunshots fired into the air to disperse them. But the Shi’ites members were adamant and became more violent, freely using stones, catapult and machetes, burning down cars and destroying the security post.

The protesters claimed they were calling for the release of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El Zakzaky, who has been in detention for some years.

As the protesters engaged security personnel in the violent attack, some staff of the National Assembly had to abandon their offices and exited through the back gate which leads to the Presidential Villa.

Some of the Shi’ite members also ran into the bush around the National Assembly complex, necessitating security personnel’s to comb the area to arrest many of them who could not escape.

The action of the protesters forced the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, to hurriedly adjourn the House and proceed to the National Assembly Clinic where the injured police personnel were receiving medical attention.

Meanwhile, 40 members of the Shi’ites group have been arrested in connection with the violent protest.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Anjuguri Manzah, who disclosed this, said the FCT Police Command had successfully foiled a violent move by members of IMN to invade the National Assembly.

He 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. Police operatives on the ground, however, acted proactively, professionally and used minimum force to disperse the unruly protesters.”

He added: “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. The injured policemen have been taken to the hospital for prompt medical attention.

“Forty members of the sect have been arrested in connection with the violent protest. Investigation is in progress.

“In view of the foregoing, the command wishes to state unequivocally that while it recognises and respects the right of citizens to peaceful procession, an attempt by any individual or group of persons to cause the breakdown of law and order will not be tolerated.

“Those arrested in the process will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate law of the land.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives was forced to adjourn its sitting until today. The Speaker, Gbajabiamila, cited security and legislative reasons for the adjournment.

The motion for adjournment was moved by the Majority Leader, Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano) and was seconded by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu (PDP-Delta).

The items on the Orders Paper of the day were not exhausted as at the time of the adjournment.

The House was yet to debate on the motion on the ‘Need to Address Gridlock in Apapa’ and ‘Urgent Need to Incorporate June 12 in History Curriculum of Schools in Nigeria’.

The IMN members had stormed the National Assembly complex while both chambers were in session.

The group vandalised some civilian and security vehicles around the entrance of the complex.

The Shi’ites have been protesting against continued detention of their leader, El Zakzaky, who was arrested in December 2015, following clashes between the sect and the Nigerian Army.