News
Two policemen killed during clash with Islamic group in FCT
Two policemen were killed and three others critically injured during a clash yesterday between security men and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ite, in Abuja.
The Islamic group, led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, frequently clashes with security men usually during processions held by the group to celebrate some events on their religious calendar, leading to violence and deaths.
After one such incident, the group was proscribed on July 26, 2019, by the Muhammadu Buhari Administration.
According to the police account, the Shi’ites in the procession were armed with various weapons with which they attacked a police checkpoint, burning three vans.
This resulted in exchanges between them and policemen at the popular Julius Berge junction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
But the group contradicted the police, saying their men in the procession did not carry any ammunition and were peaceful.
FCT police commissioner, Benneth Igweh, said 52 members of the group were arrested after the violent confrontation, adding that they would be charged.
He promised that the police would not leave any stone unturned in curbing the activities of the Shi’ites.
The FCT Command spokesman, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, gave an account of the attack in a statement.
She said: “Two police officers died, three others are unconscious and receiving treatment at a hospital, and three patrol vehicles were destroyed.
“The proscribed group attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked.
“Several arrests have been made, and Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police, has condemned the attack, vowing to bring those responsible to justice.
“The situation is currently under control, and normalcy has been restored to the area.
“For now, the FCT Police Command remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further outbreaks of violence.”
But the Shi’ite group gave a different picture of what happened.
Its spokesman, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, said in a statement: “We wish to inform the public that police have attacked the ongoing Arba’een Symbolic Trek at Wuse District in Abuja and killed mourners.
“While trying to disperse the Arbaeen Trek, the police killed and injured numerous mourners.
“Presently, security agents are busy arresting the Arbaeen Trek mourners.
“Medical practitioners are attending to those critically injured, and details of those killed, injured, and arrested will be made available to members of the press in due course.
“Before the commencement of the trek, we searched all participants to ensure no infiltration, and the programme will end as scheduled.”
According to him, the Arbeen walk which was staged on Saturday at the Masaka and Zuba axis of the capital city, ended peacefully and successfully.
The IMN, which has its headquarters in Zaria, Kaduna State, is affiliated with the Shi’ite Islamic sect which has its roots in Iran.
The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen a 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.
This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel to discuss the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season nears.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming planting season.
He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.
Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.
The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youth to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.
Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.
Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.
Five alleged kidnappers have reportedly died after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team.
The suspects were confirmed dead in a hospital they were rushed to for medical attention.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement, stated that the incident occurred on 21st April 2025.
The police image maker disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and environs by one Bello Abubakar and his gang members, stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.
SP Edafe pointed out that during the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.
He further said the investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bello Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.
According to the police image maker, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle, but the team, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.
SP Edafe added that the manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
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