The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has reported a violent attack by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ite, which led to the death of two police officers.
The attack also left three officers critically injured and hospitalized, while three police patrol vehicles were set on fire.
In a statement, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh described the assault as unprovoked.
The Shi’ite members reportedly attacked police checkpoints at Wuse Junction with machetes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Adeh confirmed, “The FCT Police Command condemns the unprovoked assault by the proscribed Shi’ite group on our personnel, resulting in two deaths, three officers in serious condition, and the destruction of three patrol vehicles.”
Several Shi’ite members have been arrested in connection with the incident. Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, has vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
The situation is currently under control, and normalcy has been restored.
This statement follows claims by the Shi’ite group that the police killed several of their members during the Arbaeen Trek at Wuse District.
The group has accused the police of indiscriminate violence against their members during the event.
The Shi’ite group asserted, “During the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, the police attacked and killed numerous mourners while dispersing the gathering.
Medical teams are attending to the critically injured, and further details will be provided soon.”
The group reported that their Arbaeen Trek at Masaka and Zuba on Saturday concluded peacefully.
