The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Monday night issued a tweet indicating that Precious Owolabi, a Channels TV reporter who was shot in Abuja earlier in the day has died.
Mr. Owolabi was covering the protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) when a stray bullet hit him in the stomach.
He was immediately taken to the hospital where he is said to have died.
In a tweet at 10.35pm, the CPJ stated, “#Nigeria: @pressfreedom is saddened to learn that @Channelstv journalist Precious Owolabi has died after being shot earlier today (July 22).
“Nigerian authorities should investigate and ensure those responsible for his death are held accountable.”
The Nigeria Police had earlier confirmed the death of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Usman Umar, in the crisis.
Mr. Umar was the DCP in charge of Operations, FCT Command, a statement by the Police Spokesperson, Frank Mba, had indicated.
Mr. Mba also stated that two Assistant Superintendents of Police and a staff of Channels Television sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment.
He noted that 54 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the crisis.
The police spokesperson did not say whether any member of the IMN was killed or injured in the crisis.
The NEXT EDITION had reported that the protest march by the Shiites turned violent shortly after police officers fired teargas at the protesters.
Members of the group, who have been demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife Zeenah, had taken over the Abuja Central District.
Mr. El-Zakzaky and his wife have been detained by the Federal Government since December 2015.
A Shiite spokesperson said 11 members of the movement were killed by the police during the Monday protest.
Channels Television had also reported that its staff, Mr. Owolabi was hit by a stray bullet during the protest.
During the protest which shut down activities around the Central Business District, the mob razed down a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Response Post close to the Federal Secretariat.
