2 Shi’ia feared dead in fresh Kaduna violence

Two members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as the Shi’ia sect, are feared dead following an attack on the group by a mob in Tudun Wada local government area of Kaduna state.

It was learnt that the clash between the Shi’ia members and the mob started on Saturday, when the former mobilised to renovate their school that was destroyed on Zango road in the LGA.

Also, Awwal Yaro Maikyau, special adviser on youths to Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna governor, was said to have been attacked while trying to mediate between the mob and the members of the IMN.

Sources said the residents of the area had joined forces against the Shi’ia members.

“The issue is getting out of hand because hundreds of youths are advancing towards Ungwan Muazu to hunt for Shi’a members,” Bala Zango, a shop owner, in the area said.

“We heard that two persons suspected to be members of the Shi’ia sect were dead at Tudun Wada. It’s very scary because at the end of the day, it’s the innocent people that will fall victim.”

The Shi’ia members said they came under attacks while they were trying to rebuild their school.

“Some thugs came to attack us with weapons, insisting that we must be evicted completely from the place. Police arrived the scene and went with some of our members and some community members for settlement,” one of the IMN members said.

“As they left, 10 of our Shi’ia members were attached with machete. It was rumoured that two of our members were killed, but we are still making inquiries to confirm. This is the danger behind playing politics with religion.”

Don Awunah, the force public relations officer, could not be reached on telephone to confirm the incident.