Group calls for arrest, prosecution of police Killers

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), called for the arrest and prosecution of culpable individuals in the killing and attack of policemen last weekend in Abuja.

The National Coordinator of the body, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, made the call in a communique on Monday in Abuja.

He expressed deep concern over the recent violent clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, and men of the Nigeria Police Force in the Wuse district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that this could be another Boko Haran if not well handled.

HURIWA criticized the confrontation, which occurred on Sunday, as it reportedly resulted in the tragic deaths of two police officers, leaving others injured, and led to the destruction of police vehicles.

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“While condemning the killing of the police officers, HURIWA emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended, prosecuted, and severely punished to deter future occurrences,” he said.

Onwubiko called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He stressed that the actions of those involved in the attack on the police are not only reprehensible but must be met with the full weight of the law.

“The clash has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from both the police and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria,” Onwubiko said.

“According to the FCT Police Command, the attack on its personnel was unprovoked, with the Shi’ite group allegedly wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and other weapons during the confrontation.

“The police report indicated that the attackers set three police patrol vehicles ablaze and left three officers unconscious in the hospital.

“In contrast, the IMN, through a statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, denied responsibility for the violence, claiming that the police attacked their Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, a religious procession, and killed several mourners.”

The organization recalled how Boko Haram, originally a non-violent group, evolved into a deadly insurgency after the extrajudicial killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the police.

HURIWA, therefore, cautioned that the continued extrajudicial killings and persecution of Shi’ite members by the police and other security agencies could push the group to take up arms in self-defense, which would have devastating consequences for national security.

It urged the government to learn from this tragic history and avoid repeating the same mistakes with the IMN by adopting a more diplomatic approach in handling the Shi’ite group, urging for dialogue rather than violent confrontation.

The group suggested that the government could direct the IMN to conduct its religious processions in enclosed spaces, such as stadiums, to prevent disruptions to public order while allowing them to exercise their religious rights.