Heavy Gunfire in Abuja as Security Forces Clash with Shiites(Video)

 

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, clashed with security operatives during their annual Quds procession in Abuja on Friday, March 28.

The confrontation occurred around the Banex roundabout in Wuse 2 as IMN members took to the streets in solidarity with Palestine, a tradition observed globally by Shiites every last Friday of Ramadan. The protesters, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Freedom for Palestine,” were demonstrating against Israeli occupation in Palestinian territories.

Tensions escalated when some protesters reportedly began throwing stones at security operatives. In response, security personnel fired shots to disperse the crowd. The exact number of casualties remains unclear.

Videos circulating online show protesters marching through Wuse 2 before security forces intervened.

In a statement, IMN spokesperson Sidi Munir Sokoto condemned the security response, calling it an “abuse of power.”

“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.

Sokoto also alleged that around five protesters may have been killed, though the exact number of casualties and arrests remains unverified.

“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.”