Benneth Igwe, the commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory has declared war on members of the Shi’ite group over clashes between members of the sect and operatives of the Nigerian Police Force that led to the death of two officers on Sunday, in Wuse area of Abuja.
Speaking reporters on Sunday, CP Igweh, provided additional details of the clash, saying “Earlier today in the Federal Capital Territory, we witnessed an unprovoked assault by members of the Shiite group. They came out in large numbers and targeted our officers, attacking them with guns, machetes, and other weapons.”
“Two officers were killed brutally. Four others are currently unconscious and suffering from various injuries inflicted by this group”, Igweh added.
He described the attack on the officers as “deliberate and coordinated.”
“This was not a situation where they were provoked; they acted willingly, with a clear intent to attack security agencies,” Igweh emphasized.
When asked about the police response to the incident, Igweh assured the public that those responsible would face justice.”
“This is not something we will overlook. They have started a war, and we are committed to pursuing them wherever they may be. The families of the officers who were killed are grieving without reason. We will find those responsible, no matter where they hide in Nigeria”, he stated.
So far, the police have arrested 52 individuals believed to be involved in the attack, along with several of their leaders.
“We have intelligence on how they coordinated their actions. Some are based within the FCT, while others came from nearby areas like Niger State. We have also learned that their main leader, was not aware of their plan to attack security agencies in the FCT”, Igweh said.
Igweh also addressed claims made by the group’s lawyer, who stated that the leadership was unaware of the attack. “I spoke to their lawyer, who claimed they were not aware of today’s attack. He said the group acted on their own”, Igweh noted
On those arrested, Igweh said “The law will take its course. Justice will be served for the officers who lost their lives today.”
The incident comes just a day after a peaceful protest by the group in the border community between Nasarawa and Mararaba. When asked why the group would protest while their organization is proscribed, Igweh responded, “If their organization is proscribed, why are they on the streets? They seem to be testing the limits of the law and provoking a reaction from security agencies.
When questioned about the potential reaction of international human rights organizations, Igweh urged them to investigate the attack on the police.
“Please, call Amnesty International to come and see the policemen who were killed today. If they are truly fair, they will address this attack on our officers as well,” he mentioned.
