A violent confrontation occurred between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, widely known as the Shiite group, and officers of the Nigerian Army forces in Abuja on Friday during a procession marking the International Quds Day.
Reports revealed that the clash happened just hours after the United States Embassy in Nigeria sent out a security alert to its citizens about planned protests by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Abuja and other cities on Friday.
According to members of the Shiite group, the violent confrontation led to to several individuals sustaining injuries and even fatalities.
The Nigerian Army however stated otherwise , revealing that some Shiite members became violent, violated the law and order and subsequently engaged troops during their procession.
Following this, Sheikh Sokoto claimed that several Shiite members sustained gunshot injuries. An eye witness disclosed that though the exact the number of casualties remains unverified, there have been no fewer than five fatalities.
Another eye witness also said “Some parts of the road have been condoned to probably fish out the Islamic protesters that might be hiding around.
I had to abandon my car on the Ahmadu Bello/Aminu Kano Crescent Traffic light because of the shootings.”
Sheikh Sokoto said “Today, being the Last Friday of the sacred month of Ramadan 1446H Marks the International Quds day, a day designated by Imam Khomeini as a day of significance in solidarity with the oppressed People of the World, particularly the Palestinians.
“Quds day Procession and activities are being conducted globally in Britain, France, America, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Canada and numerous Countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the middle East.
“We wish to draw the attention of the general public that a team of the Nigerian Army (the Guard Bridgade) attacked the procession using life ammunition, many sustained gunshot life threatening injury and some lost their lives as a result of the brutality.
“There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the brutality. In fact, they were marching peacefully from a Mosque in Banex Plaza, where they observed the juma’at Prayer, heading to Wuse market. The army blocked the way with an armoured vehicle and started shooting at protesters, mostly women and minors.
“This incident is the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians who are exercising their legal rights.
“As at the time of writing this, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested, however from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses the figure of those killed is around five people or thereabout. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course. ”
The IMN authorities have demanded for a thorough investigation into the violent clash, emphasizing the need for authorities to protect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated,”
The spokesperson of Nigerian Army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, acknowledged the violent confrontation, explaining that Shiites protested, became violent, and clashed with troops, with reports of an exchange of fire.
He said “There was a protest by Shiites; I don’t know what it is all about. They became violent, disrupted law and order and started engaging the troops. I learnt there was an exchange of fire but can’t confirm if there were any casualties.”
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