The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, on Sunday, said members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shi’ites, killed two police officers and left three others unconscious in Abuja.
In a statement, Josephine Adeh, FCT Police Spokesperson, claimed members of the group attacked and killed the two officers.
Adeh added that the three officers were rushed to the hospital for medical attention after the incident. Police vehicles were also burnt in the clash.
It was reported that a brawl between the members of the sect and police broke out at the Wuse area of the (FCT), during the Arba’een symbolic trek observed by IMN members.
“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 (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze,” the statement reads.
“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.”
Adeh said several arrests have been made, adding that normalcy has returned to the area.
Meanwhile, 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.”
