Heavy gunfire erupts as security officials clash with Shiites in Abuja (video)

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

The clash ensued during the Quds procession by the IMN members on Friday around the Banex roundabout in Wuse 2.

Every last Friday of Ramadan, the Shiites globally hold their Quds procession in solidarity with Palestine which has been in decades-long war with Israel. They also protest against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

This year’s demonstration, which took place around Banex Junction in Wuse 2, saw protesters waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine”.

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 on social media show the protesters marching through Wuse 2 before security operatives moved to disperse the crowd.

However, a statement by Sidi Munir Sokoto, spokesperson for the IMN, described the security response as “abuse of power”.

He claimed that as many as five protesters may have been k!lled, though the exact number of casualties and arrests remains unverified.

“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.

“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested, however from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses the figure of those killed is around 5 people or thereabout. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.

“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.”