…Warns against creating another extremist group… The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for thorough investigation into the clash that occurred on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at Wuse district of Abuja between officers and men of the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ite.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
HURIWA expressed concern and regret over the violent clash which resulted in the tragic death of two police officers with several others injured, and the destruction of police vehicles.
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A statement by Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, noted that the clash sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from both the police and the Shi’ite members which required thorough investigation in order to prevent the formation of another terrorists group such as Boko Haram.
HURIWA therefore warned the Nigeria Police against actions that could lead to the emergence of another extremist group similar to Boko Haram, adding that Boko Haram was originally a non-violent group, but evolved into a deadly insurgency after the extrajudicial killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the police.
It also cautioned that the continued extrajudicial killings and persecution of Shi’ite members by the police and other security agencies could push the group to take up arms in self-defense, which would have devastating consequences for national security.
HURIWA highlighted that the Nigerian government, through its security agencies, has a history of mishandling situations involving non-state actors and underlined that the extrajudicial killing of the original founder of Boko Haram after his arrest by the military and subsequent handover to the police was a pivotal moment that led to the radicalization of the group. HURIWA urged the government to learn from this tragic history and avoid repeating the same mistakes with the IMN.
While condemning the killing of police officers, HURIWA emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended, prosecuted, and severely punished to deter future occurrences.
HURIWA further stressed that the actions of those involved in the attack on the police are not only reprehensible but must be met with the full weight of the law.
It noted that the FCT Police Command alleged that the attack on its personnel was unprovoked with the Shi’ite group allegedly wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and other weapons during the confrontation.
HURIWA also noted that the police report indicated that the attackers set three police patrol vehicles ablaze and left three officers unconscious in the hospital.
The rights group also said that in contrast, the IMN in a statement signed by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto, denied responsibility for the violence, claiming that the police attacked their Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, a religious procession, and killed several mourners.
According to HURIWA; “The IMN maintained that their procession was peaceful and had been successfully conducted in other locations without incident”.
HURIWA called on the Nigerian government to adopt a more diplomatic approach in handling the Shi’ite group, urging for dialogue rather than violent confrontation.
The organization suggested that the government could direct the IMN to conduct its religious processions in enclosed spaces, such as stadiums, to prevent disruptions to public order while allowing them to exercise their religious rights.
HURIWA called on the police and military to exercise restraint and adhere to the rules of engagement when dealing with Shi’ite processions, adding that even if members of the group are suspected of committing capital offenses, they must be subjected to due process and not extrajudicial killings.
HURIWA while condemning the repeated killings of Shi’ite members by security forces, said that such actions not only violate their right to life but also risk provoking further violence.
While unequivocally condemning the killing of the police officers, HURIWA called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, stressing that the government must urgently address the underlying issues driving the conflict with the Shi’ite group and seek peaceful solutions that respect the rights of all citizens.
