By Williams Anuku, Abuja
Members of the Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, made good their threat to stage a protest over the killing of one of their member around Federal Secretariat on Friday.
Newspaper Vendors in Abuja conducting peaceful protest over the death of colleague, Ifeanyi Elechi. pic.twitter.com/jGsk4ruzkD
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Recall that a security aide attached to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had allegedly fired a shot, while in the convoy of the Speaker, killing one of the newspaper vendors in the process.
They staged the protest around Area 1 junction in Abuja, carrying placard with inscriptions; #VendorsLivesMatter, #JusticeForElechi, #StopPoliceBrutality and others.
The protesters were seen chanting anti-government songs to register their anger and displeasure over the tragic incident.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Benji Obute, Chairman of the vendors Union in Abuja called for compensation of the family of the deceased, especially the wife who recently put to bed.
He also demanded the arrest and prosecution of the officer who fired the shot saying the mere suspension of the trigger happy cop was not enough.
The group bemoaned the impunity and overzealousness by the security operatives, lamenting the shooting at the innocent man while looking for his means of livelihood.
He said the kind gesture exhibited by the Speaker by giving money to the Elechi does not warrant cutting short his life.
The vendors said they would return to the streets on Monday in their quest to get justice for the victim.
Recall also that Gbajabiamila had said he had launched an investigation into the matter, while he had also directed the suspension of the security detail.
