In a violent clash in the Wuse area of Abuja, two police officers were killed, and three others were left unconscious. The confrontation occurred between police operatives and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shiites.
Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, confirmed the attack, describing it as unprovoked. The IMN members reportedly destroyed three police patrol vehicles during the incident.
According to Adeh, the clash took place at Wuse Junction by a traffic light, where IMN members attacked Nigeria Police Force personnel. “The FCT police command confirms that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, launched an unprovoked attack on police officers stationed at Wuse Junction. Two officers were killed, three are unconscious in the hospital, and three patrol vehicles were set ablaze,” the statement said.
The attackers were reportedly armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.
Police Response and Arrests
FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. Several arrests have been made, and police efforts have restored normalcy to the affected area.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on police officers. He has promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. The situation is now under control, and normalcy has been restored,” Adeh stated.
The FCT Police Command will provide further updates on the situation as more information becomes available.