The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has revealed that two policemen were killed, while three others sustained grievous injuries during an attack by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites.
The development was made known on Sunday in a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
SP Adeh said, 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 traffic light, where two police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three police patrol vehicles set ablaze.
“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.”
She further noted that while several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth 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. Further development will be communicated in due course,” she added.
The Metro had earlier reported that two people were feared killed in Abuja on Sunday following a violent clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) and officers of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
The violent clash reportedly occurred during a protest organized by the Shiite group, which has frequently held demonstrations demanding the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife.
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between the IMN and Nigerian security forces.
The Shiite group has been at odds with the Nigerian government since 2015, when a military crackdown led to the deaths of several hundred IMN members and the arrest of El-Zakzaky. Protests by the group have often turned violent, with previous clashes resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
The Sunday’s clash highlights the ongoing tension and the heavy-handed approach often employed by the police in dealing with IMN protests.
Witnesses reported that the police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the protesters, leading to the tragic deaths. The police have yet to release an official statement on the incident.
The IMN has consistently accused the Nigerian government of religious persecution, while the government and security agencies label the group as a security threat. Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the excessive use of force by the police during these confrontations, calling for peaceful dialogue and the protection of citizens’ rights to protest.
