Many Feared ‘Killed’ As Policemen, Soldiers Clash With Shi’ites In Abuja

Many Feared ‘Killed’ As Policemen, Soldiers Clash With Shi’ites In Abuja

A combined team of policemen and soldiers reportedly opened fire on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Abuja on Monday evening.

Members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have continued their clash at the federal capital, Abuja, as security operatives reportedly opened fire on members of the Shiite group, where some unspecified number of people were allegedly killed.

Today’s incident took place on Monday at Nyanya checkpoint along Mararaba road, as the protesters, who were coming from Mararaba axis, were stopped by the armed policemen and soldiers drafted to mount a road block in the area.

According to reports, security operatives opened fire on the protesters at close range with live ammunition as they advanced towards Abuja.

While speaking to TheCable, an eyewitness disclosed that the policemen and soldiers fired live bullets after failing in the bid to prevent the protesters from moving into the city.

“The security personnel opened fire on the protesters at close range. The IMN members were advancing towards Abuja when they were stopped. Many of them were killed. Some also sustained injuries.”

This is the second time in two days that soldiers have opened fire on Shi’ites. On Saturday, at least five followers of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky were killed in a clash with soldiers in Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja.

The Shi’ites were in a procession from Suleja in Niger State to Abuja for the three-day mass march, tagged ‘Arbaeen Symbolic Trek’, scheduled to begin on Sunday.

It was gathered that when members of the sect approached a military checkpoint near Zuma motor park, the soldiers on duty refused to allow them to pass. The directive did not go down well with the group and they insisted they would pass through the road.

Findings revealed that the Shi’ites later resorted to hurling stones at the soldiers, which led to pandemonium, as the soldiers were alleged to have opened fire on them, leading to the death of atleast three people.

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