Two police officers killed and several others injured as members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, clashed with law enforcement during a religious procession. The incident occurred during the Arba’een Symbolic Trek, a peaceful ceremony commemorating the 40-day mourning period of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
According to the IMN, the mourners were conducting the trek peacefully in the Wuse area of Abuja when police allegedly attacked the procession. In a statement issued by Sheikh Sidi Sokoto on behalf of the IMN leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, the group claimed that several mourners were killed and many others injured during the attack.
The statement read, “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.
“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.”
However, the police provided a conflicting account. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, through spokesperson Josephine Adeh, accused the Shi’ite group of launching an “unprovoked attack” on police personnel stationed at a checkpoint near Wuse Junction.
The police claimed that Shi’ite members wielded weapons, including machetes and improvised explosive devices, during the altercation. Three officers were severely injured and remain hospitalized, while three police patrol vehicles were destroyed.
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 the 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.
“While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP 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 has been restored,” adding that “further development will be communicated in due course.”
