A clash between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in Abuja on Sunday, August 25, led to the deaths of two police officers and left many others injured.
The incident occurred at Wuse Junction when police officers attempted to disperse a group of Muslims participating in the Shi’ite Arba’een Symbolic Trek.
According to reports, the situation escalated when police reportedly fired teargas at them, leading to multiple casualties.
It was reported that despite a peaceful trek conducted the previous day in the Masaka and Zuba areas of Abuja, Sunday’s event took a violent turn.
Sheikh Sidi Mainasara, leader of the IMN, confirmed the incident, accusing the police of attacking the peaceful trek, resulting in the deaths and injuries of numerous mourners.
“We wish to inform the public that the police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja, killing numerous mourners. While trying to disperse the Arba’een trek, the police killed and injured many mourners. Before the commencement of the trek, we searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme ended as scheduled. The Arba’een Trek conducted yesterday at Masaka and Zuba ended peacefully and successfully.”
Reacting to the incident, the FCT police command claimed that the Shi'ite group indiscriminately attacked their personnel, wielding machetes and improvised explosive devices.
According to FCT commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, who spoke concerning the matter condemned the attack on police officers and assured that the persons involved will be brought to justice.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Josephine Adeh, confirmed the attack, stating the attack was unprovoked.
Ms. 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 Police attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by the traffic light, where two police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.
"The proscribed organization attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives."
According to Ms. Adeh, multiple arrests have been made and the situation is currently under control, more information about casualties was being gathered.
