The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, widely known as the Shi’ites, has accused the Nigeria Police of violently disrupting their peaceful Arba’een Symbolic Trek in Wuse, Abuja, leading to the death and injury of several mourners.
The police, however, refuted the allegations, claiming instead that the Shi’ites launched an unprovoked attack on their officers.
The Shi’ites were participating in the Arba’een walk, a ceremonial trek commemorating the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In a statement released on Sunday, signed by Sheikh Sidi Sokoto on behalf of the Islamic Movement and its leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, the group described the walk, which had previously taken place peacefully in the Masaka and Zuba areas on Saturday, as having been successful until the alleged police intervention in Wuse.
The statement added that medical personnel are currently treating the injured, and that further details on those killed, injured, and arrested will be disclosed soon.
“We wish to inform the public that the police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja, resulting in the deaths and injuries of numerous mourners. The police, while attempting to disperse the Arba’een Trek, killed and injured several participants. Security agents are currently arresting mourners, and medical practitioners are attending to the critically injured. Details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to the press in due course,” the statement read.
However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, through its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, countered the claims, alleging that members of the Shi’ite group initiated an unprovoked attack on police officers stationed at Wuse Junction.
According to Adeh, the assault resulted in the deaths of two police officers, with three others critically injured and undergoing treatment. She also reported that three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze.
“The FCT Police Command confirms an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on police personnel at Wuse Junction. The attack led to the deaths of two officers, three others being left unconscious in the hospital, and three police patrol vehicles being set on fire,” Adeh stated.
She added that the attackers were armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Benneth Igweh, condemned the attack and vowed to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He assured the public that the situation is now under control and that normalcy has been restored. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
