The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, has debunked the killing of two police officers, as reported by the FCT Police Command during their clash on Sunday, August 25th, in Abuja.
This is just as the Shi’ites alleged that the Nigerian Police attacked the hotel where its members lodged after the Arba’een procession, shooting sporadically, burnt vehicles belonging to them, and arrested scores of their members.
Recall that the IMN notified the public of a statement on its Arba’een Trek which they observe annually.
Each year, during the procession, the security forces and the religious groups always clash.
This year’s procession appears to be more bloody, as two police officers were reportedly killed and several members of the IMN were shot dead, many sustained injuries while scores were arrested.
The Arba’een Trek is a religious event that takes place annually to mark the 40th day of remembrance of the martyrdom of the grandson of the Holy Prophet, who was killed in the plains of Karbala, alongside his family and companions.
In a statement by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara on behalf of the Islamic movement, they alleged that the Arbaeen procession commenced peacefully until the armed police forces appeared and opened fire on them.
They debunked the statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, the PRO FCT Police Command, alleging that Arba’een mourners killed two police officers on duty and rendered three others unconscious when they attacked the annual Arba’een Trek in Abuja.
“They gravely wounded hundreds, arrested so many others, and killed scores of our brothers and sisters. In the process, they also killed their colleagues, who were apparently hit by their stray bullets as they were shooting indiscriminately.
“As if that were not enough, a team of combined security forces later in the evening trooped to a guest house in Suleja, where our brothers and sisters used to reside, and opened fire unprovoked.
“The attack happened around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at a guest house located behind Kwata in Suleja town, Niger State.