A violent clash between police and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites, erupted in Wuse Market, Abuja, resulting in the deaths of a trader and two police officers.
The trader, identified as Amiru, was reportedly shot in the chest while fleeing the scene as police pursued the protesters near Chateau De La-Rey in Wuse Zone 6.
Eyewitnesses said three police vehicles were set on fire during the chaos.
One witness, who requested anonymity, mentioned that the injured trader was initially rushed to Zone 3 hospital, but due to the overwhelming number of casualties, he passed away while being transferred to Maitama District Hospital.
The incident occurred as IMN members were participating in an Arbaeen demonstration, marking the 40th day after the Ashura anniversary.
According to accounts, the protesters pelted police officers with stones, seized their firearms, and ultimately overpowered them, forcing the officers to flee.
A local sachet water vendor confirmed that three police vehicles were torched by the protesters.
In response to the incident, Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Abuja police, stated: “The FCT police command confirms an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on police personnel at Wuse Junction by the traffic light. Two police officers were killed, three others were left unconscious and hospitalized, and three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze. The attackers wielded machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives.”
