Just In : One person killed, many others injured as Police operatives, Shiites clash
One person killed, many others injured as Police operatives, Shiites clash
A clash by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites and security agents in Kaduna has reportedly left one person dead and several others injured.
The clash reportedly began, while the Shi’ites were on a procession to mark the annual Quds day; usually marked with a procession on the last Friday of Ramadan to protest against Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Security agents who were stationed along major roads in Kaduna and Zaria had tried to disperse members of the group, but the situation turned violent.
Eyewitnesses claimed security agents had used teargas and live ammunition at the protesters while some Shi’ites had set ablaze several vehicles in Zaria.
According to the Daily Trust, the IMN Amir in Kaduna, Aliyu Umar said that the annual Quds day is a global event and commemorated even in western countries and wondered why they are frequently haunted by security agents when marking the day.
Narrating the incident, he said the procession was peaceful and had tried to avoid the police who were already stationed in strategic position to block. “But they trailed from behind and used teargas and live bullets on our members. One person was shot dead, we have just held the Janazah prayers and nine sustained bullet wounds,” he said.
The Amir also said the police had arrested about eight members of the group and denied allegations that a police station had been burnt and that the Shi’ites had set ablaze vehicles.
While confirming the incident, a senior police officer in the state, who pleaded anonymity, said that members of the proscribed sect had embarked on an unlawful procession and disturbances of public and disobedience to lawful order.
He added that in an attempt to counter “their expected disobedience,” the police had employed the use of minimal force, while the action of the Shi’ites had resulted to damage of public and private property. “We arrested 14 members of the proscribed group and the Commissioner of Police, YekiniAdio Ayoku has directed that the suspects be investigated and charged to court,” he said
