Abuja: Two Police officers killed, three stabbed in Shi’ite attack

On Sunday, two officers were killed and three others injured in an unprovoked attack by the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, according to the FCT Police Command.

A statement made available by the spokesman of FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh noted that “personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light we’re attached and two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.

“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.

“While several arrests have been effected, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers.

“He promises to bring those involved to book. The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored. Further development will be communicated in due course.”

The statement also reported that police vans were set ablaze during the assault.

The Shi’ite group was banned in Nigeria in 2019 following violent demonstrations demanding the release of its detained leader.

In 2015, the Nigerian army accused the group of plotting to assassinate a former chief of army staff, leading to a retaliatory crackdown that resulted in the deaths of over 300 group members.

The group’s leader, El Zakzaky, was imprisoned from 2015 until 2021.