The Nigerian police have released the names and photos of two officers who tragically lost their lives during a confrontation with members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shiites, in Abuja.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh, made the announcement on Sunday, identifying the deceased officers as ASP Innocent Agbabi and Inspector Alexander Odey.
According to Adeh, “Last Sunday, these officers set out to perform their duties, but unfortunately, they were killed during a clash with Shiite members. As the primary providers for their families, their untimely deaths have left their loved ones in deep mourning. May their souls rest in peace.”
The clash between the police and the Shiite group occurred last Sunday in the Wuse area of Abuja during the Arba’een symbolic procession, an event observed by IMN members. The Arba’een walk is a religious ritual that marks the end of a 40-day mourning period following the death of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) grandson.
Following the incident, the FCT police spokesperson claimed that members of the IMN had attacked and killed two officers during the procession. Additionally, three other officers were injured and were promptly taken to a hospital for medical care.
In contrast, the IMN, through its spokesperson Sidi Mainasara, issued a statement accusing the police of killing “numerous members” of their group during the Arba’een procession. The statement read, “We wish to inform the public that the police attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja, killing and injuring numerous mourners. Currently, security agents are arresting those participating in the trek. Medical practitioners are treating the critically injured, and we will provide the press with details of those killed, injured, and arrested in due course.”
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