By Olawale Lamina
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered his men to apprehend the sponsors and killers of the policemen involved in Sunday procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, NMI, also known as the Shi’ite.
The Police had reported that Shi’ite members attacked its personnel during their procession, resulting in the death of two police officers, while three others were rushed to the hospital after sustaining serious injuries from the violent attack.
The Pinnacle Times had reported how the Shi’ite group, had also claimed that the police killed and injured several of their members during their procession in the Wuse district of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, close to the Wuse Market.
But, a statement by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG condemned the killing of police officers in line of duty.
The statement which was titled, “Police Condemn Shi’ite Attack in Abuja, Order Operatives to Hunt for Sponsors, Killers of Policemen” also read in part “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 PPRO stated that the police will deploy means to uncover the full extent of the attack to forestall future occurrence.
Adejobi conveyed the IG’s condolences to the grieving families and wishes the injured officers a speedy recovery.
“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,” stated the Force Spokesperson.
He called for the support of Nigerians to help the police to maintain law and order.
“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,” the statement concluded.
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