Two Police officers killed,vehicles burnt as police clash with Shiites in Abuja during protest.
Two police officers were killed in a clash between police and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites in Abuja.
Three police officers were also left unconscious and many vehicles were burnt in the brawl that occurred on Sunday at the Wuse area of the federal capital territory (FCT) during the Arba’een symbolic trek observed by IMN members.A trader was also reportedly killed during the clash.
According to eyewitnesses, the trader named Amiru, who was an onlooker, was shot in the chest while running for his life when police chased the protesters close to Chateau De La-Rey in Wuse Zone 6.
An eyewitness told Daily Trust that upon rushing the victim to Zone 3 hospital, the A&E unit was overwhelmed with the number of casualties of police officers. “So, he breathed his last while being rushed to Maitama District hospital.”
Spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the attack which happened on Sunday, describing the attack as unprovoked while accusing the group of destroying three police patrol vehicles.
According to Adeh, 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.
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.
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.”
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.
She also said that the FCT Police Command would communicate further developments to members of the public in due course.
