92 persons have been arrested in connection with the death of two police officers during a clash with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 25, at Wuse Junction in Abuja, where assailants attacked a police checkpoint, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several officers.
IGP Egbetokun condemned the attack, describing it as an “unprovoked” assault on police personnel. He emphasized the police force’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and maintain law and order across the country. “Those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace,” the IGP stated, vowing to resist any attempts to create unrest.
The IMN, however, denied any involvement in the attack, stating that its members held a peaceful mourning procession on Saturday, August 24, and were not responsible for the violence. The group also condemned the arrest of its members in connection with the incident.
The attackers, armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, launched a series of assaults that led to the deaths of two policemen and left four others, including a female officer, critically injured. The attackers also set three police patrol vehicles ablaze during the clash.
Following the incident, IGP Egbetokun confirmed the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of several weapons used in the attack. This figure surpasses the 62 arrests initially reported by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh.
A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated the IGP’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of the attack and preventing future occurrences of such violence against police officers. The IGP also extended heartfelt sympathies to the families of the fallen officers and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
It read;
“In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun , the progressive efforts of police operatives have led to the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of several weapons used in the attack.
“The IGP has also reaffirmed the unalloyed zeal of the Force to arrest other involved persons and bring the killers to justice, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining law and order and resisting all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country.
“The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.
“As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers. The IGP offers heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families of the fallen police officers, mourning their loss alongside them and also wishes a speedy recovery to those currently undergoing treatment, hoping for their swift return to full health.”
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, provided an update on the condition of the injured officers, confirming that they are responding well to treatment. She also announced that FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh would visit the families of the deceased officers to offer condolences and assure them of the police force’s support.
