POLICE VOWS TO STOP SHIITE PROTEST

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The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Wednesday promised to put an end to the protests by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria that has left some people dead and properties destroyed within the Federal Capital Territory.

Idris made the promise in an interview with newsmen shortly after joining others to witness the inauguration of the 2019 Armed Forces Day Emblem at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We have made some major deployments, and all l can say is that we want to appeal to everybody to cooperate with us to end these crises and by the Grace of God, we will bring the protests to an end,” the police boss said.

When asked why security agents resorted to the use of maximum force to quell the protests, Idris explained that “the agents were responding to the threats against the security of lives and property within the FCT. It is our responsibilities to take care of security.”

The IGP gave an indication that about 400 members of the group who were arrested on Tuesday would appear in court on Wednesday.

“You know that when we make arrests, the next thing is to take them before the law courts.

“We are going to take them before the law court today (Wednesday). This could be the Magistrate’s Court or Federal High Court,” he said.

Idris also said the Federal Government was not ruling out dialogue with stakeholders as one of the ways of ending the protests.

“We are liaising with major stakeholders, major religious groups in this country.

“I think we need to do something to end these crises as soon as possible and by the Grace of God we will end the crises soon,” he added.