Photo Credit: NEWS CENTRAL (Police Dispersing Shi'ites Protesters)

Trader Shot Dead, Two Police Officers Killed as Shi’ites Protest in Abuja

A trader was shot dead, while two police officers were killed in a clash between police and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, in Wuse Market, Abuja during a protest.

According to DailyTrust, one Amiru, who was an onlooker, was shot in the chest while running for his life when police chased the protesters close to Chateau De La-Rey in Wuse Zone 6.

It was learnt that IMN members were on an Arbaeen demonstration to commemorate the 40th day after its Ashura anniversary.

Trader Shot Dead, Two Police Officers Killed as IMN Protest in Abuja
Photo Credit: NEWS CENTRAL (Police Dispersing Shi’ites Protesters)

“They pelted the officers with stones and seized guns from the police. They overpowered the police, so they had to run for their lives,” adding that “The protesters further set fire to three police vehicles.”

Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the police in Abuja, said, “The FCT police command while reacting to the development, said he ishes to confirm an unprovoked attack by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Shi’ite’ group, on some personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attached to FCT command at Wuse Junction by traffic light, where two (2) police personnel were killed, three left unconscious in the hospital, and three (3) Police patrol vehicles set ablaze.

READ MORE: JUST IN: DSS Releases Nigerian Journalist Soyinka on Bail After Six Hour Detention

“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 C. Igweh, Psc. mni. Condemns the unprovoked attack on Police officers. He promises to bring those involved to book. The situation is presently under control and normalcy restored.”

Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E