The Federal Capital Territory police command has confirmed the deaths of two police officers following a violent clash with members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria commonly referred to as the Shi’ite group, on Sunday.
The confrontation took place at Wuse Junction, near the traffic light, where three police patrol vehicles were also set ablaze.
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, detailed the incident: “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 further explained that the group assaulted the police checkpoint without warning, armed with various weapons.
“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives,” she said.
Several members of the IMN were arrested during the confrontation. The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, condemned the attack, stating that those responsible would be held accountable.
“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 statement added.
The police assured the public that the situation is under control and that normalcy has been restored to the area. “Further development will be communicated in due course,” Adeh concluded.
