Deaths recorded as Islamic movement, security operatives clash in Abuja

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shiites, on Friday, clashed with security operatives in Abuja. The clash occurred near Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, where thousands of members of the Islamic Movement had gathered to mark the last Friday of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians. Tensions escalated when some protesters reportedly […]

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shiites, on Friday, clashed with security operatives in Abuja.

The clash occurred near Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, where thousands of members of the Islamic Movement had gathered to mark the last Friday of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians.

Tensions escalated when some protesters reportedly began throwing stones at security operatives.

Responding, security personnel fired shots to disperse the crowd.

In a statement, Sidi Munir Sokoto, a member of the movement, described the security response as “abuse of power”.

He claimed that not less than five protesters may have been killed, though the exact number of casualties and arrests remains unverified.

“This is yet another tragic incident where security forces have abused their power by targeting innocent civilians who were merely exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the statement reads.

“As at the time of writing this article, 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 5 people or thereabout. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.

“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.”

Spokesperson for the federal capital territory (FCT) police command, Josephine Adeh, could not be reached for comment.