A conflicting narrative emerged on Monday between the Nigeria Police Force and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria regarding the violent clash in Abuja on Sunday which resulted in casualties on both sides.
According to the police, as stated by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, 97 Shi’ites were apprehended following the Sunday unrest that led to the deaths of two policemen and left three others in critical condition.
Contrary to the police account, the leader of the Shi’ite group, Prof. Isah-Hassan Mshelgaru, disavowed any involvement of his members in the fatal incident and the destruction of police vehicles.
He alleged that the police were trying to shift blame for the officers’ deaths onto the Shi’ite group in order to tarnish their reputation.
In a statement released on Monday, the Force spokesperson, Adejobi, condemned the Shi’ite attack in Abuja and directed operatives to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings of the policemen.
He also mentioned that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had instructed the police to pursue and arrest the sponsors and perpetrators of the attack.
On Sunday, the police reported that Shi’ite members had assaulted their personnel during a procession, resulting in the deaths of two officers and leaving three others unconscious in the hospital.
In response, the IMN asserted that the police had killed and injured several of their members during the procession in the Wuse area of the FCT.
The IG, in a statement on Monday, vowed that the police would track down the perpetrators, stating: “Those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace”.
He stated, “The Nigeria Police Force has strongly condemned an unprovoked attack by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as the Shi’ite group, on police personnel in Abuja on August 25, 2024.
“Following the IGP’s directive, the tireless efforts of police operatives have resulted in the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of numerous weapons used in the attack.
“The IGP has reiterated the unwavering determination of the Force to apprehend other individuals involved and bring the perpetrators to justice, underscoring his dedication to maintaining law and order and combatting any form of anarchy or unrest nationwide.
“The heinous killings of police officers in the line of duty are deeply reprehensible and intolerable since those who killed these officers have killed peace.”
Adejobi pledged to investigate the extent of the attack to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He conveyed the IG’s condolences to the families of the slain policemen and wished a speedy recovery to the injured officers.
Adejobi stated, “As the investigations progress, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full scope of this attack and prevent future instances of violence against police officers.
“The IGP extends sincere sympathies to the bereaved families of the fallen police officers, mourning their loss with them and hoping for the swift recovery of those currently receiving treatment, anticipating their prompt return to full health.”
He emphasized the need for citizens’ support in maintaining law and order.
In a rebuttal, IMN leader Mshelgaru accused the police in Abuja of attacking the Shi’ites during their procession.
Mshelgaru clarified that the procession was a global event celebrated not just in Nigeria, pointing out that in other states like Kano and Sokoto, the event transpired peacefully.
“There was no confrontation with anyone, including security officials in those states. We are unaware of any police officers’ deaths. If there were any, we are not responsible. We did not vandalize any property.
“They are doing this to defame us. If they wish to apprehend innocent individuals, they are welcome to do so. This is not the first time they have done so.”
Mshelgaru demanded the release of Shi’ite members held by the police, asserting that the group had no involvement in the police officers’ deaths.
He remarked, “We cannot provide an exact count of the people detained by the police. Our tally is ongoing. We are aware that four of our members who were rendered unconscious were detained; their fate is unknown to us. Nevertheless, we insist on the release of our detained members; we are not accountable for the alleged deaths of the officers.”