Tensions escalated in Abuja on Sunday as a symbolic Arba’een procession by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, erupted into violence, leaving multiple casualties. The peaceful trek, held in Wuse to mark the end of the 40-day mourning period for Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain, turned bloody after an alleged confrontation between the group and the police.
According to the IMN, the police launched an unprovoked attack on their members during the procession, killing several mourners and injuring others. The group’s leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, through a statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Sokoto, condemned the police’s actions, asserting that the walk had been peaceful in other locations like Masaka and Zuba the day before.
“Our mourners were peacefully conducting the Arba’een symbolic trek when the police descended on them, leading to multiple casualties. Many of our members are currently receiving medical attention, and we will provide details of those killed, injured, and arrested as they become available,” the statement read.
However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has a different account. Spokesperson Josephine Adeh accused the IMN members of instigating the violence, claiming that they attacked police personnel unprovoked, resulting in the death of two officers and critical injuries to three others. Three police patrol vehicles were also set ablaze during the clash.
“The proscribed Shi’ite group launched an unprovoked attack on our officers at Wuse Junction, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives. The FCT Police Command condemns this brutal act and will ensure that those responsible face justice,” Adeh stated.
The incident has once again spotlighted the long-standing tension between the Shi’ites and Nigerian security agencies, a conflict that has led to numerous deadly clashes over the years. In December 2015, a major confrontation in Zaria, Kaduna State, resulted in hundreds of Shi’ites being killed, and the subsequent arrest of their leader, El-Zakzaky, along with his wife.
As both sides continue to trade blame, the FCT Police Command has assured the public that normalcy has been restored in the area, with ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
