Just In: FCT Police Chief Condemns Shiite Protests, Vows End to Demonstrations in the Capital

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kenneth Igweh, has strongly condemned the recent clashes between the police and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly referred to as Shiites, which resulted in the deaths of several policemen.

Expressing his concerns, Igweh described the actions of the IMN as a direct challenge to the security forces. He emphasized that the incident, where police officers were killed and others injured, would mark the last time the group would be allowed to hold protests or demonstrations in the FCT.

Igweh stated, “These individuals (Shiites) have now escalated their actions by killing my officers. Two policewomen were injured. They have essentially declared war on the security forces. We have communicated with their lawyer, and the situation has reached a point where we must take decisive action. I want to assure you that this will be their last protest or rally in the FCT.”

The clashes, which took place at Wuse Market in Abuja on Sunday, left a businessman and two policemen dead. The violence erupted during the IMN’s Arbain procession, a peaceful demonstration that turned violent when police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas and bullets. The incident also saw three police vehicles set ablaze.

This development has raised concerns over the escalating tension between the IMN and law enforcement in the nation’s capital.