Two police officers have tragically lost their lives, and three others remain unconscious following a violent confrontation between police operatives and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly referred to as the Shiites, in the Wuse district of Abuja.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the deadly attack, describing it as an unprovoked assault. Adeh also revealed that the group vandalized three police patrol vehicles during the altercation.
The IMN members reportedly launched the attack at a police checkpoint near Wuse Junction, targeting officers stationed by the traffic light. “The FCT police command wishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the Shiite group, on personnel attached to the FCT command at Wuse Junction. This resulted in the deaths of two officers, three others left unconscious, and the destruction of three police patrol vehicles,” Adeh stated.
The assailants were armed with machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices, including locally made bombs in bottles filled with kerosene. The violent assault sparked panic in the area, but police have since regained control.
Responding to the incident, FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh strongly condemned the attack and confirmed that several arrests have been made. He assured the public that the perpetrators would be held accountable. “The situation is presently under control, and normalcy has been restored,” Adeh affirmed, pledging to keep the public informed of further developments.
