Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, clashed with police in Abuja on Sunday during the Arba’een symbolic trek.
The incident occurred at the Wuse area of the federal capital territory (FCT).
FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said in a statement, “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 (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.”
Adeh added, “The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.”
On the other hand, IMN spokesperson Sidi Mainasara alleged that police killed “numerous members” of the group during the procession.
“We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners.
While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners,” Mainasara said.
Both sides reported arrests and injuries, with the police claiming to have restored normalcy to the area.
The IMN stated that medical practitioners are attending to the injured and that details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available later.
