The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has released a video documenting the violent clash between its officers and members of the Shi’ite group in Abuja. The confrontation, which resulted in fatalities on both sides, has sparked conflicting accounts of what transpired.
According to Naija News, the clash led to the deaths of several policemen and Shi’ite members. FCT Commissioner of Police, Benedict Igwe, accused the Shi’ite group of killing police personnel. However, the Shi’ite group, through its leader Abdullahi Musa, claims that they were engaged in a peaceful procession when police attacked them, resulting in the deaths of some of their members.
“They opened fire with live ammunition, I was there, and everybody started running. So, I am not aware of all these allegations they are saying 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,” said Musa.
FCT Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated on Monday that the attack on police personnel was unprovoked. Sharing the video on her X handle, Adeh vowed that the command would continue to pursue 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 haunt your killers,” Adeh declared.
