Gbajabiamila’s Security Aide Kills Vendor In Abuja

A security aide of the Speaker of the House of Representatives has allegedly shot dead a newspaper vendor, Ifeanyi, in Abuja.

The deceased was allegedly shot in the head on Thursday night around Federal Secretariat.

The Chairman of the Newspapers Vendors Association in Federal Capital Territory, Etim Eteng, confirmed the killing of the vendor by the speaker’s security aide.

Eteng said: “The vendors and other hawkers usually run after VIPs and lawmakers whenever they see them. In fact, they can identify the big men by their vehicles.

“So, the vendors flocked around the speaker’s convoy and he gave them some money but a gunshot just went off. The bullet hit Ifeanyi in the head and he fell down. The fellow who fired the shot said he wanted to fire into the air.”

The National Hospital spokesman, Dr Tayo Haastrup, confirmed that the vendor died of gunshot injuries.

Eteng confirmed that the members of the association would stage a protest at Area 1 over the killing of Ifeanyi.

He disclosed that the vendors would not receive or sell any newspaper on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, reacted to the killing in a statement personally signed by him.

Gbajabiamila said, “Horrible incident has taken place. This evening as I left the national assembly, I stopped as usual to exchange pleasantries with the newspaper vendors at the corner. Many of them have known me since I first moved to Abuja and it was a friendly exchange.

“Unfortunately, after the convoy set out in continuation of the movement, unidentified men obstructed the convoy which got the attention of security men in the convoy who shot into the air to disperse them.

“Some hours later, after getting to our destination, it was brought to my attention that someone was hit by a stray bullet, contrary to an earlier report by men in the convoy that they applied their security discretion to shoot in the air.”

The speaker confirmed the suspension of the security officer who fired the shot that killed the vendor as well as an investigation of the incident.

“I have caused a report to be made to the local police station and an investigation has commenced.

“In the meantime; the officer who fired the fatal shot has been suspended from the convoy pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“My value for human life and my respect for all people – irrespective of social-economic status – is what endeared me to these vendors and these are the reasons why I stop my convoy quite often to connect with them. For one of them to have been shot by my security detail is horrific and I cannot begin to imagine the grief and loss Ifeanyi’s family must feel on this sad day. No family should have to go through this.

“I am personally distraught about this incident and my deepest sympathies go to the victim, his family and Abuja vendors.”