Two police officers were killed and three others left unconscious after a clash between police operatives and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shiites, in the Wuse area of Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Sunday. She described the attack as unprovoked and accused the group of damaging three police patrol vehicles.
Adeh stated that the IMN members targeted police personnel stationed at Wuse Junction near a traffic light during the assault.
“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, where two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.
The police spokesperson further reported that the attackers were armed with machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices, described as locally made bombs in bottles filled with kerosene.
“The proscribed organisation launched an unprovoked attack on the police checkpoint, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives,” the statement read.
Situation Under Control
In response to the incident, FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh condemned the attack and confirmed that several arrests had been made. He vowed to ensure that all those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.
The statement also noted that the situation had been brought under control, with police operatives restoring normalcy to the area.
“While several arrests have been made, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, strongly condemns the unprovoked attack on police officers and pledges to bring the perpetrators to justice. The situation is now under control and normalcy has been restored,” the police spokesperson said.
She added that the FCT Police Command would provide further updates to the public as more information becomes available.