A trader was shot dead and two police officers were killed in a violent confrontation between law enforcement and members of the banned Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, at Wuse Market in Abuja.
When police pursued the protestors near Chateau De La-Rey in Wuse Zone 6, they shot Amiru, an observer, in the chest as he was fleeing for his life.
There was a fire in three police cars.
An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that after the victim was rushed to Zone 3 hospital, the A&E department was overrun with police officer casualties. Thus, “he passed away while being transported to the Maitama District hospital.”
Members of the IMN participated in an Arbaeen demonstration to mark the 40th day since the organization’s Ashura anniversary.
“They pelted the officers with stones and seized guns from the police. They overpowered the police, so they had to run for their lives,” adding that “The protesters further set fire to three police vehicles,” a sachet water vendor said.
Reacting to the development, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the police in Abuja, 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 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.
“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, CP Benneth C. Igweh, Psc. mni. Condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers. He promises to bring those involved to book. The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored.”
