In a tragic incident that underscores the ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s capital, two police officers were killed and three others were left unconscious following a violent clash between police operatives and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), widely known as the Shi’ites. The altercation took place in the Wuse area of Abuja, creating a scene of chaos and raising serious concerns about security in the Federal Capital Territory.
The spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the unfortunate incident, which occurred on Sunday. Describing the attack as unprovoked, she detailed how the IMN members launched an aggressive assault on the police personnel, which resulted in not only the loss of lives but also significant damage to police property. According to Adeh, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the confrontation, adding to the turmoil.
“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,” she said. “The attack resulted in the death of two police officers, with three others left unconscious and currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were destroyed in the chaos.”
Further elaborating on the nature of the attack, Adeh revealed that the IMN members were armed with a range of dangerous weapons. These included machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were described as locally made bombs contained in bottles filled with kerosene. The use of such crude yet deadly weapons highlights the level of violence and danger involved in the confrontation.
“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked,” Adeh continued, “wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.” This brutal attack left the police officers at the checkpoint with little chance to defend themselves, leading to the tragic outcome.
In response to the attack, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Benneth Igweh, expressed his outrage and condemnation. In a statement, he vowed that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable. The FCT Police Command has reportedly made several arrests in connection with the incident, indicating swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. “While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers,” the statement read. “He promises to bring those involved to book. The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored.”
The incident has raised alarm among residents of Abuja, who are concerned about their safety amidst such violent confrontations. The FCT Police Command has assured the public that they have taken steps to restore order and prevent further incidents. Adeh emphasized that police operatives had swiftly moved to bring the situation under control and that normalcy had been restored in the affected area. “The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored,” she assured.
As part of their ongoing efforts to maintain public safety, the FCT Police Command has pledged to keep the public informed about developments related to the incident. Adeh mentioned that further updates would be communicated in due course, as investigations continue to uncover the full details of the attack and those behind it.
This incident is not the first time that clashes have occurred between the Nigerian police and the IMN. The group, which has been proscribed by the Nigerian government, has often been at odds with security forces, leading to several confrontations over the years. The government’s decision to ban the group has been a source of contention, with IMN members frequently protesting what they see as religious persecution. These protests, at times, have escalated into violent clashes, as seen in the recent events in Wuse.
The loss of life and the violent nature of this clash have once again brought to the forefront the challenges faced by security forces in dealing with internal security threats in Nigeria. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between the state and certain religious groups, a complex issue that continues to pose significant challenges for peace and stability in the region. As the authorities continue their investigation, the hope remains that justice will be served, and peace will be restored to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.
