A peaceful demonstration by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites, worsened into violence, resulting in the deaths of a petty trader and two police officers in Wuse Market, Abuja, on Sunday.
About three vehicles belonging to the police were also reportedly set ablaze in the heat of the clash.
Daily Trust reports that the victim, 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.
He was rushed to Zone 3 hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way to Maitama District hospital due to the overwhelming number of casualties.
The Shiite members were reportedly conducting an Arbaeen procession to mark the 40th day after the Ashura anniversary when the situation escalated.
According to eyewitness accounts, the protesters clashed with the police, pelting them with stones, seizing their firearms, and setting three police vehicles on fire.
“They overpowered the police, who had to run for their lives,” a sachet water vendor at the scene recounted.
Reacting to the incident, FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the attack, stating, “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 police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three 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,” she added.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, condemned the attack on the officers and promised to bring those responsible to justice, assuring the public that the situation is now under control and normalcy has been restored.
