The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has released a video showing the confrontation between its officers and members of the Shi’ite group in Abuja, which resulted in casualties on both sides.
Reports emerged of a violent clash that led to the deaths of several police officers and Shi’ite members. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benedict Igwe, has accused the Shi’ite group of killing police personnel during the incident. In contrast, Shi’ite representatives claim that the police attacked their members, who were participating in a peaceful procession, resulting in the deaths of some Shi’ite adherents.
Abdullahi Musa, a leader of the Shi’ite procession, refuted the police’s claims, stating, “They opened fire with live ammunition. I was there, and everybody started running. I am not aware of all these allegations that our people killed police. How? Were we armed? We were not armed. We were only carrying placards. Is a placard a weapon? If the people knew that we were armed, they would not face us.”
In response, the FCT Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, condemned the incident as an unprovoked attack on police officers. SP Adeh shared the video on her X handle and emphasized that the command would continue its efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
“I’m saddened by the unprovoked attack and brutal killing of our officers by this proscribed, heartless individual called Shi’ite members. This heinous act is unacceptable. Those responsible must face the wrath of the law. Rest well, our gallant officers. We’ll hunt your killers,” Adeh stated.
see video below;
