The killing of a fashion designer at Garki International Market in Garki area of Abuja by an official of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday, sparked a violent protest between traders and operatives of the secret police.
Witnesses said trouble started when a female customer brought in the DSS officer to prevail on the tailor to make her clothes which the tailor had defaulted on delivering on the agreed date.
It was learnt that the argument that ensued attracted other tailors and traded who prevailed on them but it appeared the pleas infuriated him more.
Traders said the DSS operative eventually shot and killed a fashion designer, following which he was arrested and destined by the police.
Confirming the incident, the FCT police command in a statement signed by the spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh said, “In an incident at Garki International Market on September 7, 2023, an altercation arose between market occupants and certain individuals, including a DSS personnel and a tailor named Muhammad Habibu. The Garki Divisional Police station mobilised officers in response to a received distress call reporting the invasion of the market by these individuals, who fired shots at a tailor known as Mubarak Mubarak.
“This incident led to some of the local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved. In response, the police intervened to rescue the individuals and protect public safety. During the incident, there was damage to a section of the Police outpost as some of the irate youths acted in a disorderly manner. It is important to note that some weapons used in the commotion have been recovered, and normalcy has now been restored.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Haruna Garba, emphasises the commitment to maintaining peace and respecting the rights of all citizens within the FCT. He encourages market occupants to also refrain from engaging in mischief involving public property, especially that which belongs to the security agencies in place to safeguard their well-being. Additionally, he urges the public to utilise the police emergency lines 08061581938,07057337653, 08028940883, for assistance when needed.”
The DSS also said it was investigating the incident.
Spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said in a statement that “The attention of the Department of State Services has been drawn to an incident that occurred a few hours ago between its staff and a mob at the Garki Market, Abuja.
Information at the disposal of the Service was that its FCT Command responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market.
“Consequently, the Service has commenced an investigation into the matter. The public is assured that details of the inquiries will be communicated as soon as possible. The Service assures that it will not hesitate to mete out a proper disciplinary measure(s) to its staff if found culpable or running foul of the Standard Operating Procedures on dealing with a member of the public.”
