The president sent his condolences to the family and friends of Abdullahi who was shot dead on Saturday by unknown gunmen.

The president directed all security agencies to scale up their effort in bolstering the security of the city and promised that his government will give priority to security in the country.

Abdullahi was gunned down after leaving a mosque in the southern Waberi district following evening prayers, according to witnesses.

The speaker of parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, said he was killed by “elements that are known for cruelty”.

Abdullahi becomes the first parliamentarian to be targeted since the new 275-member assembly was selected in August this year.