Shiites clash: Gov’t doles out N4m to victims’ families

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has made a cash donation of four million naira to assist in the medical bills for two days injured Nigeria Police Force personnel and families of two deceased victims of the recent violent clash between security agents and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites.
Making the donation last Friday in Abuja, FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Christian Ohaa, regretted the incident and prayed God to grant the two deceased families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and wished the injured persons quick recovery.
Ohaa reiterated commitment of the FCT Administration to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for FCT residents and tasked them all to be law-abiding.
Ohaa explained that the gesture was part of goodwill of the FCT Administration to ensure the safety and security of the FCT residents.
“All these are parts of FCTA efforts to ensure that those who sustained injuries while serving their motherland will get proper medication.
“This happened to our colleagues and brothers while on national duty, so as such, the FCT Administration felt that it is important and expedient to commensurate with them in terms of supporting the families of the deceased and supporting those who were injured for their own medication,” Ohaa stated.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Security Affairs of the Administration, Malam Adamu Gwary, disclosed that two of the police personnel were injured, treated at Wuse District Hospital, where one was discharged and the other, ASP Bala Magaji, was further treated and discharged at Cedecrest hospital, Apo.
Magaji while while commenting on the gesture said: “Honestly, I am shocked. I did not expect it. I did not believe this kind gesture from the FCT Administration. I am moved.
“It has given me more confidence in the system and the will to do more. It has given me more energy to continue to serve my country in the best professional way I can.
“May God bless the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Government.”
It could be recalled that late DCP Usman Umar and late Precious Owolabi of Channels Television lost their lives during a recent clash by the now proscribed IMN group, protesting the detention of its leader since 2015.