MANY FEARED DEAD AS SHIITES, SOLDIERS CLASH IN ABUJA
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A clash erupted in Abuja on Friday between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite group, and Nigerian Army personnel during a procession marking International Quds Day.
According to the Shiite group, the confrontation led to multiple injuries and fatalities among their members.
However, the Nigerian Army stated that the Shiite protesters turned violent, disrupted public order, and engaged troops during the procession.
Sheikh Sokoto, responding to an inquiry from our correspondent, claimed that several Shiite members sustained gunshot wounds, with eyewitnesses reporting at least five deaths, though the exact casualty count remains unconfirmed.
“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 has called for an independent investigation into the Abuja clash, urging authorities to uphold the 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,” he said.
The Nigerian Army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the confrontation, stating, “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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