FCT Police Chief Condemns ‘Unprovoked’ Attack on Officers Amid Clashes with IMN
Two people were reportedly killed yesterday in a clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, and officers from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command in Abuja. The incident, which occurred at Wuse Junction, caused chaos in the area, forcing motorists to divert to alternative routes to avoid violence and traffic disruptions.
Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, stated that the violence began when members of the proscribed group launched an unprovoked attack on a police checkpoint. “The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives,” Adeh reported. The altercation resulted in the deaths of two police officers, while three others were hospitalized and left unconscious. In addition, three patrol vehicles were set ablaze.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, condemned the attack on his officers and promised that those involved would be held accountable. “The situation is currently under control, and normalcy has been restored,” he assured. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the IMN, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, provided a different account of the events, alleging that the police attacked the group during the Arbaeen symbolic trek at Wuse District, killing and injuring numerous mourners. “Medical practitioners are attending to those critically injured, and details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to members of the press in due course,” he stated.
The Arbaeen commemoration is a significant event for the IMN and the Shi’ite community, marking the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This year’s event was notable for its inclusivity, with reports suggesting that both Shiites and Christians planned to march together in Abuja to promote justice and humanity.
The IMN has faced legal and political challenges in Nigeria. On July 26, 2019, a Nigerian court ruled that IMN activities amounted to “acts of terrorism and illegality,” leading to a government ban announced on July 28. This ruling has been criticized by various human rights groups. Anietie Ewang, a Nigerian researcher at Human Rights Watch, argued that the ban threatens the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians. She called on the government to reverse the decision, stating that “the ban on the Shia movement may portend an even worse security force crackdown on the group, which could have dire human rights implications throughout Nigeria.”
Security Concerns Rise in Sokoto State After Emir’s Murder and Mass Kidnappings
In a related development, the community of Gobir in Sokoto State is mourning the death of their Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, who was murdered by bandits. Following the Emir’s death, bandits reportedly invaded the community again, kidnapping over 150 people. This tragic event has sparked renewed concerns about security lapses in the region.
Speaking to Radio France International’s Hausa service, Prof. Bello Bada, a security expert, condemned the lack of effective security measures in the area. He highlighted the vulnerability of local leaders, noting that this is not the first time a prominent monarch has been attacked, but it is the first time one has been murdered. “The bandits made a similar attempt on the life of the Emir of Potiskum while he was on the way to Zaria, but he narrowly escaped. The Emir of Kauran Namoda also escaped death by a whisker, but members of his entourage were killed,” Bada explained.
Bada stressed the need for immediate and decisive action against the bandits to prevent such incidents from becoming a recurring pattern. He pointed out that the origins of the bandits are well known, but there has been insufficient action to curb their activities.
Dr. Yahuza Getso, a security analyst, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the complacency of security operatives in allowing the Emir of Gobir to be murdered after spending over three weeks in captivity. He emphasized the need for accountability and urged political leaders to provide the necessary support for security forces to tackle the banditry crisis. “The leaders of these bandits terrorizing the Northwest region are well known. Their places of origin are known. Their parents and those who supply them with logistics are all known,” Getso said. He called for a coordinated effort to end the menace and restore peace and security in the region.
