More than 16 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, also known as Shi’ites, were reportedly killed when a combined force of the Nigerian Army and police Monday engaged them in a bloody clash in Abuja.
Trouble was said to have started as the Shi’ite poured into the FCT from all major routes leading to the city centre to observe the Arbaeen mourning processions, despite warnings from the security agencies not to do so.
The Shi’ites said to have failed in breaking a barricade formed by the security men pelted them with stones, an action that infuriated the security men to have fired gunshots into the motley crowd as a way of scaring and dispersing them.
In the process, some of the sect members hit by bullets died or were injured while others were hit by panic drivers who were running away from the ensuing commotion.
The latest clash, which was still ongoing at press time, started at about 4:35 p.m, following a procession embarked upon by members of the religious group.
Vanguard gathered that the group, which started its procession at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was heading to Nyanya, the adjourning town between Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory, towards Abuja town, when soldiers on duty ordered them back.
It was learnt that the group members resisted the directive as they engaged the soldiers in an argument which resulted in a commotion
Residents were seen scampering for safety, as motorists plying the routes linking Abuja were seen making detours towards Mararaba in Nasarawa State for safety.
A witness who pleaded anonymity, said the security men opened fire on the Shi’ite members.
Consequently, commuters were stranded in most routes in the FCT, as commercial vehicles deserted the streets to avoid stray bullets.
Spokesman of the group, Abdullahi Musa, said an IMN member overheard a soldier attached to the Guards Brigade at Kubau checkpoint along Karu – Abuja expressway, saying order had been given “from above” that the military should engage the Shi’ites in a battle.
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by a member of Guards Brigade at (his duty post) Kubau Check point along Karu-Abuja expressway that they are waiting for the followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), because they have an order from above to engage them,” Musa said in a statement.
He vowed that the group would not be intimidated to give up its demand for the release of Ibraheem el-Zakzaky, its leader.
But reacting last night, spokesman for the Brigade, Capt. Timothy Tagwai, who was in company of the Brigade Commander. Brigadier General UT Musa, said troops had brought sanity back to the road up to Kugbo area, adding that they were still moving towards the Nyanya area to do same.
Asked if there had been casualty since reports of gunshots were reportedly heard in some places, Captain Taigwai said no record of casualty had got to him.
Regarding the other protest from the Kubwa-Dutse Alhaji axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Road, Captain Tagwai said he was yet to be briefed of any casualty figure either.
He noted that troops were doing their very best to restore normalcy to the area and clear the roads.
Police sources contacted on the issue said the operation was Army operation to stop the protesters entering the city to cause mayhem, adding, however, that policemen were on the alert to arrest any protesting Shi’ite member who sneaked into the city centre to cause disturbance.
