A deadly confrontation broke out in Abuja as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites, accused the police officers of violently attacking their peaceful Arba’een symbolic trek, leading to multiple casualties and injuries among their ranks. The police, however, countered with claims that the IMN initiated an unprovoked attack, resulting in the death of two policemen and critical injuries to three others.
The Arba’een walk, a solemn trek commemorating the end of the 40-day mourning period for Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) grandson, Imam Hussain, turned tragic on Sunday as the IMN members took to the streets of Wuse, Abuja. The movement, in a statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Sokoto and its leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, expressed shock over the violent turn of events, emphasizing that the trek had been peaceful in other locations, including Masaka and Zuba, just a day prior.
According to the Shi’ites, the police launched a brutal assault on the mourners, killing and injuring many participants. “We wish to inform the public that the police attacked the ongoing Arba’een symbolic trek at Wuse District in Abuja, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries,” the statement read. The group also revealed that medical personnel are currently tending to the wounded, and further details regarding casualties and arrests will be disclosed in due time.
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In stark contrast, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command issued a statement accusing the IMN of attacking their officers without provocation. The police spokesperson reported that the Shi’ites, armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, assaulted a police checkpoint at Wuse Junction, killing two officers and leaving three others in critical condition. Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the chaos.
The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, condemned the alleged attack on his officers and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. “The situation is presently under control, and normalcy has been restored,” the police statement assured.
This latest clash adds to the long history of violence between the Shi’ites and Nigerian security forces. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in December 2015, when a deadly confrontation in Zaria, Kaduna State, left hundreds of Shi’ite members dead, including their leader Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, who were both injured and arrested.
