The Nigerian Army said three members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) or Shiite sect died on Monday at the Kugbo/Karu bridge junction during an encounter with troops in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, the Army said four soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter.
The statement stated that the casualty figure arose after the sect members attacked troops deployed at a checkpoint at the junction at about 3:p.m.
“The sect in massive numbers forced their way into the troop’s checkpoint after overrunning the Police Force.
“The Police withdrew back to own troops position to join efforts to repel them.
“They fired weapons, throwing bottle canisters with fuel, large stones, catapults with dangerous objects and other dangerous items at troops, causing bodily harm and stopping motorist movement, breaking their windscreen and causing heavy traffic.
“However, Troops repelled the attack in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force to stop the situation from further deteriorating,” the statement said.
The statement, however, said normalcy had been restored in the general area and there was now free flow of traffic.
It called on members of the public living within Abuja and environs to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation.
“The Nigerian Army will not deter in carrying out its constitutional roles and also safeguarding law-abiding citizens,” it said.
