A combined team of security operatives including soldiers and Nigeria Police Force personnel on Friday in Abuja dispersed members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as “Shiites” during the Ashura procession injuring two persons.
The group embarked on their procession from Banex Plaza shortly after the Juma’at service to commemorate Ashura but they were abruptly dispersed by armed security operatives who fired teargas canisters and live ammunition to disperse them.
The security agents who had been trailing the group confronted the protesters wielding placards and flags at Wuse market and injured two members.
The situation led to commotion at Wuse Market when the protesters, passersby and commercial motorists scampered to safety following the gunshots that rented the air.
The Spokesperson of the movement, Abdullahi Muhammad Musa who confirmed the attack to SaharaReporters said that two of their members sustained injuries while many were arrested.
According to a statement issued by Abdullahi ” Abuja, Lagos , Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Miduguri, Yobe amongst others held the Ashura Procession and went peacefully except Abuja where a team of security forces opened fire on the members.
“Two People sustained fractures on their legs as a result of gunshots while some suffered injuries from teargas and many were arrested.
“The procession started immediately after the Juma’at Prayer from Banex Plaza and we moved towards the Wuse market; the mourners were chanting slogans mentioning Imam Hussain (as) and the tragedy of Karbala at the same time distributing press release which explains why they were on the street today.
“At the point of dispersion in front of the Wuse Market, the security forces arrived and opened fire after shooting many teargas canisters which made the whole place smoky and unbearable to the people around.”
