The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh, has confirmed the arrest of 52 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites. These arrests come in the wake of a violent clash at Wuse Market in Abuja, which resulted in the deaths of two police officers and significant damage to police property.
On Sunday, a confrontation erupted between the Nigerian police and IMN members at Wuse Market. The clash was marked by intense violence, with Shiite members reportedly attacking the police without provocation. The incident left two police officers dead, and several others critically injured. In addition, three police patrol vehicles were set on fire during the unrest.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Benneth Igweh, expressed his strong condemnation of the attack. He described the actions of the IMN members as “unprovoked” and vowed to pursue those responsible. “We were surprised that members of the Shiites Movement decided to come out en masse to attack the policemen and kill them brutally,” Igweh said.
Following the violent clash, the police have taken significant steps to address the situation. According to Igweh, at least 52 IMN members have been arrested in connection with the attack. These individuals were reportedly from various states, including Niger, Nasarawa, and Abuja, and had traveled without notifying their leaders.
The Commissioner stated, “We have arrested at least 52 of them. They came from different locations and attacked the security agents without any just cause. Some are in Niger, some are within the FCT, and others came from far places.”
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also responded strongly to the incident. He has ordered a manhunt for the sponsors of the IMN members involved in the violence. Egbetokun’s statement emphasized the gravity of the situation and the police’s commitment to ensuring justice.
“The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace,” Egbetokun stated.
The IGP also confirmed that 97 suspects related to the attack are in custody and assured that the police would continue to seek justice for the fallen officers. Egbetokun extended his condolences to the families of the slain officers and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Following the clash, four other police officers, including a policewoman, were reported to be critically injured and currently unconscious in the hospital. The police are providing medical treatment and support for these officers as they recover from their injuries.
The IMN, or Shiites, is a group that has been banned in Nigeria. The group has been involved in various protests and clashes with security forces over the years, primarily related to the detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.
