The nationwide strike action called by organized labour and its civil society allies against the removal of the subsidy on petrol practically shut down the country yesterday as workers in private and public institutions abstained from duty. The strike action which was peaceful in most parts, however, turned bloody in Kano, Lagos and Benin where at least 12 persons were killed in controversial circumstances.

Two persons were reportedly killed in Lagos when a Divisional Police Officer attached to the Pen Cinema Police Station shot at some youths who took opportunity of the absence of traffic to play football along the road. The Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim promptly ordered the arrest of the DPO who he said should face trial for murder.

Seven persons were killed in Kano while another three were killed in Benin during yesterday’s strike action that culminated in the shut down of banks, airports and the nation’s sea ports.

SOURCE/FULL REPORT: http://247gist.com/blog/occupynigeria-day-one-12-killed/