Gunfire Erupts as Security Forces Clash with Shiite Protesters in Abuja
A violent clash erupted between security operatives and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites, during a Quds procession in Abuja on Friday, March 28.
The incident occurred at Banex Junction in Wuse 2, where IMN members were marching in solidarity with Palestine, a tradition observed globally by Shiites on the last Friday of Ramadan. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans advocating for Palestinian freedom.
Tensions escalated when some demonstrators allegedly hurled stones at security personnel. In response, security operatives fired gunshots to disperse the crowd. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
Videos circulating online show protesters marching before security forces intervened. Sidi Munir Sokoto, the IMN spokesperson, condemned the security response, describing it as an “abuse of power.”
He claimed that at least five protesters may have been killed, though official figures on casualties and arrests remain unverified.
“This is yet another tragic case of security forces targeting innocent civilians exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” Sokoto stated.
He urged authorities to investigate the incident, emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally protected.
