A clash between some police personnel and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise called Shi’ites in Abuja Sunday, led to the death of two personnel and left three others unconscious.
Blueprint gathered that a yet-to-be identified trader was also shot dead during the clash, even as some police vehicles were set ablaze.
It was gathered that the Shi’ites were reportedly on Arbaeen demonstration to commemorate the 40th day after its Ashura anniversary.
According to an eyewitness account, the protesters pelted the police officers on patrol with stones, subsequently overpowered them and also seized their guns with the officers running for their lives.
The eyewitness, simply identified as Andrew, said the protesters also set three police vehicles on fire.
Confirming the incident the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, in a press statement titled: ‘Shi’ite’s Attack On Five Police Officers In Wuse: Two Police Officers Confirmed Dead, Three Left Unconscious,’ said the attack was unprovoked and several arrests had been made.
“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 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 statement read.
According to the spokesperson, “The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored.”