Some members of the Shi’ia sect were allegedly killed during a procession by the group also known as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), in Kano, on Monday.
An unspecified number also sustained injuries during the incident which happened as IMN members were partaking in the Arbaeen trek from Kano to Zaria.
Trouble reportedly broke out at Kwanar Dawaki in Dawakin Kudu local government area, when the police fired teargas canisters after futile attempts to stop the procession.
Aggrieved members of the sect were said to have also pelted the police with stones.
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“There was a clash early this morning. They were gathered there, they were about to go to Abuja, that was their meeting point when the police came,” a Kano resident simply identified Rafiat, told TheCable.
“Right now there is no news on how many people were killed and injured, but there were many.”
Ibrahim Musa, spokesman of the sect, confirmed the incident, but said only one person was killed.
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He added that the group continued the procession despite the confrontation from the police.
“Reports reaching us from Kano say that Nigeria Police have attack the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the guidance of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky,” he said in a statement.
“The Nigerian police have blocked the road and fired teargas on the peaceful trekkers. With the aid of Allah the trekkers have passed through it and continued with the trekking. Men of the Nigerian police have continued to follow the trekkers and firing teargas and live ammunition on them.
“They killed one and injured others.”
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The Shi’ites have been insisting on the unconditional release of Ibraheem Zakzaky, their leader, and other members of the movement, who were arrested after the December clash with the army.
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