Two police officers were killed during a violent clash between law enforcement and members of the banned Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Sunday.
The incident took place in the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) amid the Arba’een symbolic trek, a religious observance by IMN members.
The clash also left three police officers unconscious and resulted in several vehicles being set on fire. A trader named Amiru, who was reportedly fleeing the scene, was also killed after being shot in the chest.
According to eyewitness reports, the situation escalated when the police attempted to disperse the IMN procession, leading to a violent confrontation.
Police accused Shiites of attacking personnel
The police confirming the development accused the IMN members of attacking their personnel with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, resulting in the deaths and injuries of officers.
Spokesperson for the FCT Police Command said the IMN members attacked some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the FCT command at Wuse Junction by a traffic light.
“The FCT police command wishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by the traffic light, where two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.”
The police PRO also indicated that they wielded machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.
“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives,” the statement read.
‘Numerous Members Killed’
The IMN, however, alleged that the police killed numerous members of their group during the crackdown.
In a statement, Sidi Mainasara, spokesperson of IMN, alleged that police killed “numerous members” of the group during the procession.
“We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners. While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners,” the statement reads.
“Presently, security agents are busy arresting the Arbaeen Trek mourners.
“Medical practitioners are attending to those critically injured, and details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to members of the press in due course.
“Before the commencement of the trek, we have searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled.
“The Arbeen Trek that was conducted yesterday at Masaka and Zuba axis ended peacefully and successfully.”
Situation Under Control
Reacting to the incident, the FCT Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh, condemned the attack.
Noting that several arrests have been made, the CP pledged to bring all the perpetrators of the attack to book.
According to the statement, the situation has been brought under control as police operatives have restored normalcy to the area.
“While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers.
“He promises to bring those involved to book. The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored,” the police spokesperson stated.
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