Following the recent violent confrontation between police officers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the Shi’ite, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive on Monday for law enforcement operatives to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of the heinous attacks and bring them to justice, along with their sponsors.
The Nigerian Police Force disclosed on Sunday that during a procession by members of the Shi’ite group, two officers lost their lives while three others were critically injured in the attack, with their conditions described as “unconscious” and in urgent need of medical attention.
In response to the police’s allegations, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria issued a statement asserting that, rather than instigating the violence, it was, in fact, the police that attacked and killed several of its members during their procession in the Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, strongly denounced the killing of officers while they were in the line of duty, asserting that the perpetrators of this heinous act have essentially “murdered peace.”
The statement titled, “Police Condemn Shi’ite Attack in Abuja, Order Operatives to Hunt for Sponsors, Killers of Policemen read, “The Nigeria Police Force has vehemently condemned the unprovoked attack by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as the Shi’ite group, on police personnel in Abuja on August 25, 2024.
“In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, the progressive efforts of police operatives have led to the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of several weapons used in the attack.
“The IGP has also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Force to arrest the remaining suspects and bring the killers to justice, emphasising his dedication to maintaining law and order and resisting all forms of anarchy and unrest throughout the country.
“The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable, as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.”
The Force Spokesperson, expressed determination to unearth the full circumstances surrounding the violent incident in order to prevent a similar tragedy from unfolding in the future
Adejobi conveyed the IG’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officers, acknowledging the profound pain and loss they are experiencing.
He stated, “As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of violence against police officers.
“The IGP offers heartfelt sympathies to the grieving families of the fallen police officers, mourning their loss alongside them, and also wishes a swift recovery to those currently undergoing treatment, hoping for their return to full health.”
Adejobi stressed the fact that the police, as guardians of public safety and order, rely on the support and cooperation of the citizens to effectively discharge their duties.
In his words “The NPF, therefore, seeks the support and understanding of the general public in its quest to maintain law and order, even in the face of extremist threats and other forms of violent crime across the country.”
