Prevent another Boko Haram as group asks NPF  to deal with Sh’ites over killing of Police officers

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has voiced deep concern over the recent violent clash between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, and the Nigeria Police Force in the Wuse district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

HURIWA condemned the confrontation, which took place on Sunday, noting that it tragically resulted in the deaths of two police officers, left several others injured, and led to the destruction of police property.

While denouncing the killing of the police officers, HURIWA underscored the necessity of upholding the rule of law. The organization called for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are apprehended, prosecuted, and punished accordingly, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In a statement, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stressed that the violent actions against the police are unacceptable and must be addressed with the full force of the law. He urged the authorities to take decisive steps to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore order.

HURIWA recounted, “The clash has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from both the police and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. According to the FCT Police Command, the attack on its personnel was unprovoked, with the Shi’ite group allegedly wielding machetes, improvised explosive devices, and other weapons during the confrontation. The police report indicated that the attackers set three police patrol vehicles ablaze and left three officers unconscious in the hospital.

“In contrast, the IMN, through 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. The IMN maintained that their procession was peaceful and had been successfully conducted in other locations without incident.”

In its statement, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) cautioned the Nigeria Police Force against actions that could inadvertently fuel the rise of another extremist group akin to Boko Haram.

HURIWA recalled how Boko Haram, initially a non-violent group, transformed into a deadly insurgency following the extrajudicial killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the Police.

The organization warned that the ongoing persecution and extrajudicial killings of Shi’ite members by security forces could drive the group to take up arms in self-defense, with potentially dire consequences for national security.

HURIWA pointed out that the Nigerian government, through its security agencies, has a troubling history of mishandling situations involving non-state actors.

The association emphasized that the killing of Boko Haram’s founder after his arrest was a pivotal event that triggered the group’s radicalization. HURIWA urged the government to learn from this past mistake and avoid a similar outcome with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

The organization called for a more diplomatic approach in dealing with the IMN, advocating for dialogue instead of violent confrontations.

HURIWA suggested that the government could allow the IMN to conduct religious processions in designated areas, such as stadiums, to balance public order with religious freedom.

Additionally, HURIWA urged security forces to exercise restraint and follow proper rules of engagement when dealing with Shi’ite processions.

The association stressed that even if members of the group are suspected of serious crimes, they should be subjected to due process rather than extrajudicial actions.

Condemning the repeated killings of Shi’ite members, HURIWA warned that such actions not only violate fundamental rights but also risk escalating the situation into more violence. The organization highlighted the danger of pushing the Shi’ite group to the point of resorting to violence for survival.

With Nigeria already struggling with multiple insurgencies, HURIWA emphasized that the country cannot afford the emergence of another armed group.

The association called on the government to urgently address the grievances of the Shi’ite community and seek peaceful resolutions to prevent further conflict.