Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has expressed concern over the recent violent

clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, known as Shi’ites, and the

Nigeria Police Force in the Wuse district of the Federal Capital Territory.

HURIWA criticized the confrontation, which occurred on Sunday, as it reportedly resulted in

the deaths of two police officers, left several others injured, and led to the destruction of

police vehicles. While condemning the killing of the police officers, HURIWA emphasized

the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for the

crime are apprehended, prosecuted and punished to deter future occurrences.

In a statement issued on behalf of the organization, HURIWA’s National Coordinator,

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He

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. The organization warned that

Nigeria, already grappling with multiple insurgencies and armed non-state actors, cannot

afford the emergence of another armed group. HURIWA stressed that it is crucial for the

Nigerian government to address the grievances of the Shi’ite community and prevent the

situation from escalating into a full-blown conflict.

In its statement, HURIWA warned the Nigeria Police Force against actions that could lead

to the emergence of another extremist group similar to Boko Haram. HURIWA recalled how

Boko Haram, originally a non-violent group, evolved into a deadly insurgency after the

extrajudicial killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by the Police. The group 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. The association 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. The rights association called on the Nigerian

Government to adopt a more diplomatic approach in handling the Shi’ite group, urging for

dialogue rather than violent confrontation.