Breaking: Police Officers, Trader Killed As Shiites Protest In Abuja

A clash between police officers and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, has turned deadly at Wuse Market in Abuja, resulting in the deaths of a trader and two police officers.

The incident occurred when the IMN members embarked on an Arbaeen procession, commemorating the 40th day after the Ashura anniversary.

The peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into violence as police officers attempted to disperse the protesters using tear gas and live ammunition.

According to Daily Trust, witnesses report that Amiru, a trader and bystander, was shot in the chest while trying to flee from the chaos.

He was rushed to Zone 3 hospital but succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to Maitama District Hospital.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation intensified when the protesters retaliated by pelting the police with stones and seizing their weapons.

The clash further escalated as the demonstrators overpowered the police and set fire to three police vehicles.

The police continued to fire tear gas and live rounds to disperse the protesters and control the situation.

However, bystanders and vendors were caught in the crossfire, adding to the panic and confusion in the area.

Reacting to the development, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the police in Abuja, she said, “Shiites attacked the police unprovoked and killed two officers and burned a police vehicle unprovoked. If you go there, you should know that it was Shiites who attacked and killed police unprovoked.”

However, in a telephone interview, a medical coordinator of the IMN Abuja zone, Ishaq Adam, refuted police claims.

He said their members were known for conducting peaceful demonstrations for over 40 years.

He added that, “Even yesterday, there were over one million IMN members who held Arbaeen processions in Suleja and Mararraba that started and ended peacefully.”