CLASH IN WUSE: POLICE AND SHI'ITE GROUP FACE OFF, TWO OFFICERS KILLED, THREE INJURED AS TENSIONS RISE

A deadly clash erupted in Wuse, Abuja, on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and the injury of three others. Reports from multiple sources suggest that members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi'ite group, were involved in the violent confrontation with police officers at a checkpoint near Wuse Junction.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the Shi'ite group, allegedly armed with machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), engaged the police in a fierce struggle. The clash left two officers dead at the scene and three others critically injured and unconscious, currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

In addition to the attack on the officers, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze by the group, further escalating tensions in the area.

The FCT Police Command has confirmed several arrests related to the clash. While the cause of the confrontation remains under investigation, police officials condemned the violence and labeled the attack as unprovoked. In a statement, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, Psc. mni., vowed that those responsible for the attack would face justice.

Despite initial fears of an escalation, the police have restored order in Wuse, and the area is now calm. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the events, with further updates expected.

PRESS STATEMENT

SHI'ITE ATTACK ON FIVE POLICE OFFICERS IN WUSE: TWO POLICE OFFICERS CONFIRMED DEAD, THREE LEFT UNCONSCIOUS

As police effect several arrests

The FCT Police Command confirms that on Sunday, two police officers were killed, and three others were critically injured following an unprovoked attack by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly referred to as the Shi'ite group. The attack occurred at a police checkpoint near Wuse Junction in Abuja.

The assailants, wielding machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), assaulted the officers, leaving two dead on the spot and three unconscious. In addition, the group set fire to three police patrol vehicles.

Several arrests have been made, and Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, Psc. mni., condemned the senseless attack on law enforcement officers. He assured that all those involved would be brought to justice.

The situation has been brought under control, and normalcy has been restored. Further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.

SP Josephine Adeh, Anipr  

Police Public Relations Officer  

For: The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Abuja  

25/08/2024