The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police has confirmed the killing of two officers by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, known as the Shi’ite group, in Abuja.
The attack occurred on Sunday at Wuse Junction, according to SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT police command spokesperson.
Adeh’s statement detailed that the “unprovoked attack” involved machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives. “Two police personnel were killed, three others are in the hospital, and three patrol vehicles were burned,” she said.
Africa Health Report, AHR, gathered that violence erupted during an Arbaeen procession commemorating the 40th day after the Ashura anniversary.
It has been reported that Police used teargas and live ammunition to disperse the procession, inadvertently hitting a trader named Amiru with a stray bullet. This incident escalated tensions, leading to retaliatory attacks from the Shi’ites and some traders who pelted the police with stones and set fire to vehicles.
