Officers of the Nigerian police, on Sunday, attacked and dispersed members of the Islamic Movement, popularly called the Shiites, who were on Arbaeen Symbolic Trek procession in Abuja.
The peaceful procession, which began at Wuse Zone 3 Junction, was however turned chaotic when the Shiites got to Wuse Market, where they were blocked by the police operatives.
In a statement by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto on behalf of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of his eminence Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H), alleged that a number of their members were killed.
The statement titled: “Police attacked the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja and killed numerous mourners,” read:: “We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners.
“While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners.
“Presently, security agents are busy arresting the Arbaeen Trek mourners.
“Medical practitioners are attending to those critically injured, and details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to members of the press in due course.
“Before the commencement of the trek, we have searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled.
“The Arbeen Trek that was conducted yesterday at Masaka and Zuba axis ended peacefully and successfully.”
The Islamic group had, on Friday in a statement made available to the newsmen, said it would commence the annual Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja in commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
In a statement by Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto on behalf of the Islamic group, the Shiites urged residents of the FCT, Abuja not to panic.
However, in a reaction, the police alleged that members of the Islamic Movement killed two of their officers in the clash that occured.
In a statement, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, claimed members of the group attacked and killed two officers.
The police spokesperson added that three officers were rushed to the hospital for medical attention after the incident.
“The FCT police command wishes 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,” the statement reads.
“The proscribed organisation attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices (locally made bombs in bottles with kerosene), and knives.”
Adeh said several arrests have been made, adding that normalcy has returned to the area.
