The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command say several arrests have been made, following a clash with members of the El Zakzaky movement, also known as Shi’ites, that led to the death of two officers in Abuja on Sunday.
According to a statement by FCT Command Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, aside from the two officers killed, three others were severely injured and left unconscious while three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze.
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The clash between the Shi’ites movement and FCT Command officers also led to death of some civilians.
SP Adeh said the incident occurred at Wuse Junction by the traffic light.
He claimed that the Shi’ite members attacked the police checkpoint “unprovoked,” with weapons.
The statement reads: “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 (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) 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.”
He said that While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, “Condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers,” promising to bring those involved to book.
“The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored,” he further stated, adding that further development will be communicated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
