A deadly confrontation between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), known as the Shiites, and soldiers of the Nigerian Army reportedly left at least five people dead during a procession in Abuja on Friday.
The clash occurred as the Shiite members marked International Quds Day, an annual event observed globally in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Reports indicate that the confrontation resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities.
A senior member of the movement, Sheikh Sidi Sokoto, alleged that soldiers attacked the procession without provocation.
He stated, “Today, being the last Friday of the sacred month of Ramadan 1446H, marks 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 processions 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 to the fact that a team of Nigerian Army personnel (the Guards Brigade) attacked the procession using live ammunition. Many sustained gunshot wounds, some of which were life-threatening, while others lost their lives due to the brutality.”
He insisted that the group’s members were peacefully marching when the soldiers opened fire.
Sokoto added, “There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the brutality. 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.
“This incident is the latest in a series of similar events where security forces have abused their power by targeting innocent civilians exercising their legal rights.
“As of the time of writing this, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured, or arrested. However, based on reliable information from eyewitnesses, the number of those killed is around five. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.”
He urged authorities to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident and to protect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
However, the Nigerian Army presented a different account, stating that the Shiite members initiated the violence.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the confrontation, saying, “There was a protest by the Shiites; I don’t know what it was all about. They 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.”
The clash marks yet another tense encounter between security forces and the Shiite movement, which has had previous altercations with Nigerian authorities