Two Cops, Others Killed, Several Injured As Police, Shi'ittes Clash In Abuja

Tragedy struck at the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sunday, as adherents of the Shia branch of Islam, otherwise known as Shi’ites, had a bloody confrontation with the police that claimed many lives, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.

The violent confrontation, which degenerated into gun duel, also led to the burning of several police vehicles.

FCT Police Command, in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, confirmed the death of two of his personnel during the confrontation.

The Police Commissioner also disclosed that three other personnel were left unconscious in the hospital, and three police patrol vehicles were also set ablaze by the religious zealots.

According to him, “The FCT police command wishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shiite’ group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light, where two police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three police patrol vehicles set ablaze.”

Igweh said that the proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices – locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene and knives, adding that several arrests have been made.

The commissioner of police, who vowed to bring those involved to book, also told residents of the territory that the situation has since been brought under control and normalcy restored.

He, however, promised to continue to update the public on further development.

Meanwhile, the Islamic movement, in a counter statement on Sunday noted that the police attacked the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja and killed numerous mourners.

The statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, on behalf of the Islamic movement under the leadership of Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky, said: “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.”

Sokoto noted that medical practitioners are attending to those critically injured, adding that 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,” he further said.

Sokoto explained that the Arbeen Trek that was conducted on Saturday at Masaka and Zuba axis ended peacefully and successfully.