Two officers of the Nigeria Police Force have been killed in a clash with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria popularly known as Shiites.
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while confirming the death of two of its personnel said the attack happened on Sunday, August 25, 2024, when Shiite members were holding the Arba’een walk.
The ceremonial walk marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for the death of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussain.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the attack, which occurred in Wuse area of Abuja, left three other personnel of the command unconscious and currently in the hospital for medical attention.
She said three patrol vehicles belonging to the command were also set ablaze by members of the movement.
“Members of the proscribed movement attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, knives and improvised explosive devices made locally in bottles with kerosene,” Ms Adeh said.
According to her, while several arrests have been made, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT, Benneth Igweh, condemned the unprovoked attack on police officers.
She said the Igweh pledged to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.