Shiite group declared war on us, says FCT Commissioner of Police while mourning officers who were killed.
In the heart of the capital city on a fateful Sunday in late August, the air was thick with tension as a procession led by the banned Islamic Movement in Nigeria, commonly referred to as the Shiites, spiraled into chaos, resulting in the tragic loss of two valiant police officers and an innocent local trader at the vibrant Wuse Market in the bustling city of Abuja.
Reacting to the dire situation, the esteemed Police Commissioner of the Federal Capital Territory, Benneth Igweh, expressed profound disappointment, laying bare the somber consequences of the unfolding confrontation. With a tone of rebuke, Igweh branded the actions of the Shiite group as "incendiary," particularly denouncing their assaults on law enforcement officers, acts that left two policewomen grievously wounded.
Standing resolute at Force Headquarters in the presence of a press gathering, Igweh unreservedly decried the violence, firmly promising that any form of hostility towards police personnel would not be countenanced under his vigilant eye. "Those responsible for this heinous act shall face the full weight of justice," Igweh declared, unwavering in his commitment to holding the guilty accountable.
Moreover, in the aftermath of the clash, substantial damage to property was reported, with a minimum of three police vehicles engulfed in flames amidst the pandemonium. In a defiant stance, Igweh articulated, "The evidence is unmistakable that these aggressors (Shiites) have ruthlessly taken the lives of my comrades and inflicted harm upon two policewomen, inter alia, unequivocally instigating a conflict with security forces.
"Our discourse with their legal representative revealed a disturbing sentiment, making it abundantly clear that these perpetrators have embarked on a reprehensible campaign against us. Let it be known that we shall be resolute in our response - this shall signal the final protest or demonstration conceded within the confines of the FCT."
In the aftermath of this calamitous event, whispers of discontent and apprehension rippled through the community, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility that underpins society's tapestry when faced with violence and conflict. As the authorities endeavoured to restore order and peace, the echoes of this tragic occurrence lingered as a cautionary tale, urging restraint and fervent pursuit of harmony in the face of adversity.
