The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, known as Shi'ites, said it lost at least five of its members in the deadly clash with the Nigerian Army in Abuja on Friday.
DAILY POST reports on Friday that Shiites and the Nigerian Army clashed on Friday around the Banex, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent area of Wuse 2, Abuja, during a procession marking International Quds Day.
In an update, a leader of the group, Sheikh Sidi Sokoto, alleged that at least five persons were killed during the procession.
He claimed that there was no provocation from members of Shi'ites warranting the shooting by the Nigerian Army.
“There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the brutality.
He narrated that, “They were marching peacefully from a mosque in Banex Plaza, where they had observed the Juma’at prayer, heading towards Wuse Market.
“The army blocked the way with an armoured vehicle and started shooting at the participants, most of whom were women and minors.”;
“However, based on reliable information from eyewitnesses, the number of those killed is around five. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.”;
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said the Shiite members became violent, disrupted law and order, and subsequently engaged troops during their procession on Friday.
The Army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the confrontation, stating, “There was a protest by the Shiites; I don’t know what it was all about.
“They (Shi'ites) became violent, disrupted law and order, and started engaging the troops. I learned there was an exchange of fire but can’t confirm if there were any casualties.”;
Recall that the United States of America ambassador in Nigeria had issued a security alert to its citizens about planned IMN protests in Abuja and other major cities on Friday.
