A violent clash between Shi’ite mourners and police in Abuja has left at least two police officers dead and three others unconscious, with several Shi’ite members also killed and injured.
The incident occurred at Wuse Junction, where police attempted to disperse the Shi’ite Arba’een Symbolic Trek, leading to a confrontation.
According to eyewitnesses, police opened fire on the trekkers, resulting in casualties.
The Shi’ite group had conducted a peaceful trek in Masaka and Zuba on Saturday, but the Abuja event turned violent, yesterday.
Details of the casualties and arrests were still emerging.
Confirming the bloody incident, Sheikh Sidi Mainasara, a leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, alleged that the police attacked the peaceful trek, killing and injuring numerous mourners.
He said: “We wish to inform the public that the police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja, killing numerous mourners.
“While trying to disperse the Arba’een trek, the police killed and injured many mourners.
“Before the commencement of the trek, we searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled.
“The Arba’een Trek conducted yesterday at Masaka and Zuba ended peacefully and successfully.”
However, police claimed that the Shi’ite group attacked their personnel unprovoked, wielding machetes and improvised explosive devices.
According to Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Benneth Igweh, has condemned the attack on police officers and promised to bring those involved to justice.
She disclosed that several arrests have been made and that the situation was currently under control.
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 Police 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, condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers. He promises to bring those involved to book.”
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