On Sunday, a violent clash occurred between police officers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, at the popular Wuse Market in Abuja. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of a trader and two police officers.
The Shiites were participating in an Arbaeen procession, commemorating the 40th day after the Ashura anniversary, when tensions escalated. Police attempted to disperse the procession using teargas and live ammunition. During the incident, a trader named Amiru was struck by a stray bullet and later died at Zone 3 Hospital.
The situation worsened as Shiite members and some traders retaliated by throwing stones at the police and setting fire to three police vehicles.
According to Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Abuja police, the clash resulted in the deaths of two police officers, with three others left unconscious in the hospital. Additionally, three police patrol vehicles were burned. Adeh reported that the IMN group attacked the police checkpoint unprovoked, wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives.
