Shiites Lose 5 Adherents in Deadly Clash With Military in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja 

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as the Shiites, yesterday revealed that at least five of its adherents were allegedly killed by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Abuja during a procession to commemorate International Quds Day. 

The deadly confrontation, the group said, also resulted in several injuries among their members. 

Sheikh Sokoto, who spoke on behalf of the Islamic group, alleged that several of its members sustained gunshot wounds, with at least five deaths reported by eyewitnesses, stressing that the exact number of casualties remains uncertain at the time of filing this report.

According to him, “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 Brigade) attacked the procession using life ammunition, many sustained gunshot life threatening injuries 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, Sokoto further alleged, 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.

He said, “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 group also called for an independent investigation into the Abuja clash, urging authorities to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

He said the freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said the Shiite became violent, disrupted law and order and subsequently engaged troops during their procession.

Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu  confirmed the confrontation, stressing 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,” General Nwachukwu said.