Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has initiated a manhunt for those responsible for the deaths of two police officers during a violent clash with members of the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja.
The confrontation occurred on Sunday, August 25, at Wuse Junction, where assailants attacked a police checkpoint, resulting in fatalities and injuries among officers. The attackers, armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, also set three police patrol vehicles on fire.
IGP Egbetokun condemned the attack as an "unprovoked" assault on law enforcement, emphasizing the police force's commitment to bringing the culprits to justice and upholding peace. “Those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace,” the IGP stated, pledging to resist efforts to disrupt public order.
The IMN denied any involvement in the violence, asserting that its members participated in a peaceful mourning procession on August 24 and condemned the subsequent arrests of their members in connection with the clash.
Following the incident, the IGP reported the arrest of 97 suspects and the recovery of various weapons used in the attack, surpassing the initial count of 62 arrests by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh.
A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated the IGP’s resolve to fully investigate the attack and prevent further violence against police officers. It expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“The IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to arrest all those involved and bring them to justice,” the statement said. “The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are deeply troubling and unacceptable. The Nigeria Police Force remains determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the injured officers are responding well to treatment. She added that Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh will visit the families of the deceased to offer condolences and support.
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