ABUJA—The Police and members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, also known as the Shi’ite group, have traded blame over what led to killing of two police officers and others, during the August 25, 2024, Arbaeen procession in Abuja.

While the Police called the attack on its officers unprovoked, the Shi’ites alleged that police were the first to attack them during the annual Arbaeen procession in Abuja, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, yesterday, said: “The attackers, who were armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices and knives, embarked on several violent attacks, which left two police officers dead instantly and three unconscious, currently receiving treatment in hospital.

“Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were set ablaze during the attack.

“In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the progressive efforts of police operatives have led to the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of several weapons used in the attack.

“The IGP has also reaffirmed the unalloyed zeal of the Force to arrest other involved persons and bring the killers to justice, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining law and order and resisting all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country.

“The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.

“As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers.”

They opened fire on us, Shi’ites accuse Police of rights abuses

On behalf of the movement, Sheikh Sidi Mainasara told journalists in Abuja, yesterday: “The statement by the police is false, fabricated and misleading. And we would like to set the record straight.

“We reject and condemn the statement from the PRO FCT Police Command in its entirety. It’s a statement aimed at scapegoating the movement as well as seeking cheap public sympathy that will allow them to carry out even further atrocities against defenceless civilians.

“The same security agents, who should protect the lives of citizens of the country were the ones who, in broad daylight, killed them in cold blood. We wish to maintain that attacking our gathering is illegal and unconstitutional. It is an infringement on our fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of expression as citizens of Nigeria.

“In a further escalation of violence. A team of combined security forces attacked a guest house in Suleja, Niger State, where our brothers and sisters used to reside, opening fire unprovoked on August 25, 2024, about 4:30 p.m.

“They set fire to a car, vandalized facilities, and attempted to burn down the house, but their efforts were thwarted. They also fired indiscriminately at people and arrested dozens.

“We fear that our brothers and sisters arrested would be tortured, and those who sustain injuries will be denied access to the urgent, proper medical attention they require.”

“We condemn this act of violence meted out against our brothers and sisters. We call upon relevant authorities to call these security forces to order and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice.”