Shi’ite Members' Rampage In Abuja Leaves 2 Police Officers, 1 Trader Dead

A clash between police officials and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, in Wuse Market, Abuja, is reported to have resulted in the death of a trader and two police officers. 

Three other police officers were also confirmed to be unconscious in hospital in the capital city. 

Three police vehicles were also set ablaze by the group. 

 

One of the deceased, one Amiru, who was an onlooker, was shot in the chest while running for his life when police chased the protesters close to Chateau De La-Rey in Wuse Zone 6.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the onlooker could not be attended to at the Zone 3 hospital, the A&E unit, where he was rushed to as the hospital was overwhelmed with the number of casualties of police officers. 

“So, he breathed his last while being rushed to Maitama District hospital.” the eyewitness stated. 

He added “They pelted the officers with stones and seized guns from the police. They overpowered the police, so they had to run for their lives."

“The protesters further set fire to three police vehicles,” another source stated. 

In a statement on Sunday, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the police in the FCT, 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.”