By Shola Abayomi.
Nigerians have taken to social media to condemn the death of a Channels TV reporter, Precious Owolabi and a deputy commissioner of police, Usman Umar who were shot yesterday in a violent clash between Shiite protesters and security operatives in Abuja over the continued detention of its leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Some aggrieved Nigerians blamed the Federal Government for the avoidable deaths, which according to them, would have been averted if President Buhari had obeyed a court ruling to release the Shiite leader.
INSIDER gathered some reactions from Twitter:
@Simmeonii
“It’s a sad day. First it was DCP Umar and now Precious owolabi . For how long will the Shiites / FG face off continue. Living peacefully in this country seems to be very expensive right now.”
@Austinyugo
“This death was avoidable but Buhari and Osibanjo refused to obey a court order and release El Zakzaky since 2016.Precious Owolabi is dead because of Buhari and Osinbajo.”
@Iamlordtm
“If Buhari obeyed court orders to release El Zakzaky, hundreds of Shiites would be alive. Precious Owolabi would be alive.Buharideens, let that sink in.”
@Tysalihu
“Inhear a “Precious Owolabi” Channels News Reporter lost his life in the Shiites “peaceful” protest of yesterday. Every single thing we criticized and fought the Jonathan Administration for, is amplified under the Buhari Administration.“
@Hamzycode
“Nigeria is becoming a failed State under President Buhari. I am pained by the death of a promising young man, Precious Owolabi.”
@Ody_Johnson
“RIP to the NYSC – Channels TV intern Precious Owolabi.I can’t place the blame on the shittes but Buhari, it’s totally clear the man doesn’t know his job and still believes we are in 1989 and he is a Military Dictator Head of States.”
@Odor_dextiny
“No one deserves to die the way Precious Owolabi died today.
1. Serving a country that has failed you as its citizen. 2. A reckless mistake that could have been avoided if not for the presidents high handedness. Buhari killed Precious Owolabi.”
@Ogbenidipo
“May the soul of Precious Owolabi rest in peace. May God console his family and comfort his friends. That could have been anyone, including any of our family members or friends who work around the 3 arms zone and environs in Abuja. Such a needless death. Resolve this madness now.”