The Federal Capital Territory Police Command reported on Sunday that two police officers were killed and three others seriously injured in an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group.
The attack occurred at Wuse Junction in Abuja.
According to the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident happened at a police checkpoint. “Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light were attacked, and two police personnel were killed. Three were left unconscious in the hospital, and three Police patrol vehicles were set ablaze,” she said.
SP Adeh explained that the attackers, members of the proscribed Shi’ite group, were armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives. “The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives,” she added.
Several arrests have been made following the attack, and the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, strongly condemned the violence. “The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers,” SP Adeh stated. She added, “He promises to bring those involved to book.”
The FCT Police Command assured the public that the situation is under control and that normalcy has been restored. “The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” SP Adeh confirmed.
