A violent protest staged by the banned Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja on Saturday has claimed the life of a serving police officer, the force has confirmed.

Accoridng to Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, Marian Yusuf, the officer identified as ASP Adama Ezekiel, was murdered during the protest,

Yusuf, who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said that the police succeeded in “professionally dispersing a violent protest by the proscribed IMN,” and restored calm at Berger Roundabout in Abuja.

Yusuf said, “Unfortunately, the members of the disbanded sect went on a rampage destroying public property and attacking innocent citizens including police officers using dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, sharp knives, etc,

“Sadly, one of the police officers, ASP Adama Ezekiel, deployed to restore calm during the violent protest, paid the supreme price as a result of the brutal attack where he was stabbed by one of the irate protesters.

“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, CP. Bala Ciroma, wishes to commiserate with the family of the police officer who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.”

According to Daily Trust, the protests were said to be in solidarity with the people of Palestine held every last Friday of Ramadan.