Reactions have started trailing the death of the Channels reporter, Precious Owolabi, who was hit on the field by a stray bullet, during the Shi’ite protest in Abuja.

The students and graduates of the University of Ilorin, where Owolabi studied Performing Arts, said against all expectations, the action of Channels TV was unprofessional, sending a Corp member to such beat without proper training and orientation.

They described the TV station as a well respected outfit but stated that loosing Owolabi could have been avoided.

In a chat with People & Politics, Ashia Jaji, an Alumni of UNILORIN, queried where Owolabi acquired his reporting skills from, to have been sent on such a volatile assignment.

“He studied Performing Arts for four years, where did he acquire his reporting skills from, that Channels TV had to place him on such a delicate beat, less than a year after graduation? Coverage of such beat demands years of professionalism. A greenhorn shouldn’t be covering riot, such crisis with sporadic gunshot. On the spot reporter?” she queried.

Asked if she’s sure Owolabi hasn’t attempted any Communication or Journalism Course, she said she’s quite sure he hasn’t. “Even if he had a prior experience, it would be an internship experience”, she said.

Ashia further stated that it takes a professional with the support of a bullet proof to cover such beat, not even a serving Corp member. “At least, they were supposed to give him a shield, a bullet proof vest. I’m just sad because a promising lad died in his prime. He was just 23”, she said.

Meanwhile, Owolabi’s remain has been sent to his parents in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Management of the television announced his death during its 10 pm news on Monday.

It was also learnt that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT Police Command, DCP Usman Umar who died during the protest has been buried according to Islamic rites.