Shi’ites/Police  Confrontation: “Those Who Killed Police Officers Have Murdered Sleep” – IGP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has vowed to fish out and prosecute, accordingly, all those involved in the Islamic Movement of Nigeria IMN  attack and killing of  some  service  personnel in Abuja on Sunday.

Already, the Police confirm that  about 97 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident which pitched the Police and members of the religious group otherwise known as Shi’ites, who were on their annual religious procession.

The Source reports that on Sunday August, 25 2024, the Police authorities in a statement claimed that IMN launched an unprovoked attacks on some Police Officers on routine duty in the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory FCT .

Josephine Adeh, the FCT Command’s spokesperson noted that the violent attack left two  Police Officers dead,and three in critical condition at a medical facility. Three operational vehicles were set ablaze by the Shi’ite followers .

But Sidi Mainasara, spokesperson for IMN, blamed the police for the avoidable loss of many lives ,during what he described as a peaceful procession.

“We wish to inform the public that the police have attacked the ongoing Arb’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed numerous mourners while trying to disperse the Arba’een procession”‘ the IMN stated

In a statement issued on Monday August 26, by the  Force Public Relation Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi ACP ,the IGP affirmed the commitment of the Police in maintaining law and order, as well as resisting any forms of attempt to perpetrate anarchy and unrest in any part of the country.

Egbetokun deplored the unprovoked attacks and killings of police personnel while on lawful. duties, noting that such developments are highly outrageous and unacceptable .

He insisted that the alleged killers of the Police officers have by their conduct murdered peace.

The IGP  informed that a full scale investigation has been launched with a view to unraveling the extent of the attack, as well as preventing future occurrences.

While soliciting the support and understanding of the public in Police’s determination to maintain peace and order, the IGP expressed  sympathy and solidarity with the families, relations and friends of the fallen officers.