A violent clash between Nigerian police and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday resulted in the deaths of two police operatives, according to the police force.
Additionally, three officers are currently hospitalised and unconscious due to injuries sustained during the confrontation, the police added.
Akelicious had earlier reported that some armed policemen had fired teargas canisters and live ammunition at IMN members, popularly called Shi’ites, killing an unspecified number of persons and injuring several others during the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek in Abuja.
The event which started on Saturday, August 24, is to commemorate and mourn the killing of Imam Hussain (AS), who was beheaded at Karbala (in present-day Iraq) in 61 AH, equivalent to 680 CE.
Imam Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Ṭalib (AS) was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Sayyida Fatima bintu Muhammad (SAWA), as well as the younger brother of Imam Hassan ibn Ali (AS).
It was gathered that the police violently descended on the IMN during their procession at the Wuse Market.
A squad of gun-wielding policemen fired teargas canisters and live bullets at the sect in an attempt to disperse the peaceful procession.
The situation led to commotion in the area as motorists and passersby scampered to safety with several members of the movement sustaining varying degrees of injury.
Confirming the incident on behalf of the movement, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto in a statement, said those who sustained gunshots injuries had been taken to an undisclosed hospital while they were still compiling the number of those who lost their lives.
“We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners. While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners,” he said.
“Presently, security agents are busy arresting the Arbaeen Trek mourners.
