A violent confrontation between Nigerian police and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday led to the deaths of two police operatives and left three officers hospitalized and unconscious.
The police reported that the clash occurred during the IMN’s Arbaeen Symbolic Trek, an event commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). The procession, which began on Saturday, August 24, was disrupted by armed policemen who fired teargas canisters and live ammunition at the IMN members, popularly known as Shi’ites.
The police confirmed the deaths of two operatives but did not provide an official count of IMN members killed or injured. However, eyewitnesses reported that several Shi’ites were killed and many more were injured during the violence.
The IMN members were peacefully marching at the Wuse Market when the police violently intervened, according to SaharaReporters. The incident has sparked concerns about the use of excessive force by law enforcement against peaceful protesters.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has been a subject of controversy and conflict with the Nigerian government in recent years, leading to numerous clashes and fatalities. The IMN’s leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has been imprisoned since 2015, sparking widespread protests and demands for his release.
