A deadly clash between Nigerian police and Shi’ite protesters in Abuja on Sunday resulted in the deaths of two police officers and left three others hospitalized and unconscious.
The police also reported that patrol vehicles were burnt during the confrontation.
The violence erupted during the Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, a religious event commemorating the killing of Imam Hussain (AS) in 680 CE.
According to eyewitnesses, armed policemen fired teargas canisters and live ammunition at the protesters, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.
The event, which began on Saturday, August 24, was meant to be a peaceful procession but turned deadly when police and protesters clashed.
Reports indicate that the police forcefully intervened in the IMN procession at Wuse Market, leading to a violent confrontation.
A team of armed policemen deployed teargas canisters and live ammunition to disperse the peaceful procession, causing chaos in the area.
Motorists and passersby sought safety as members of the sect suffered various injuries.
In a statement, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto confirmed the incident on behalf of the movement, stating that those with gunshot wounds were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
He added that they were still compiling the number of fatalities.
According to him, “The police attacked the Arba’een Symbolic Trek in Wuse District, Abuja, killing and injuring numerous mourners.”
He further stated that security agents were arresting the mourners.
