Two Persons Killed As Police, Shi’ites Clash In Kaduna During International Rally

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) more commonly known as Shi’ites on Friday clashed with men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during the International Qudus Day in solidarity with Palestinians in Kaduna State.

The Shiite protesters alleged that the two of their members were killed, while the state police command said no person was killed.

It was learnt that the IMN members had gathered along the Katsina roundabout by Ahmadu Bello Way before the police arrived and tried to disperse them.

Abdullahi Musa, who spoke to SaharaReporters on behalf of Academic Forum of the movement, said two persons were killed by the Nigerian police during the attack.

He said the procession was to mark International Qudus Day in solidarity with Palestinians.

"Two persons have been killed by the Nigerian police during the attack today. We are holding procession to mark International Qudus Day in solidarity with Palestinians," he said.

However, the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command , ASP Mansir Hassan told SaharaReporters that the police did not kill anyone since the officers did not use live ammunition.

He explained that IMN members were the ones using dangerous weapons, stating that some policemen sustained injuries.

The police PRO further explained that some suspects in possession with dangerous weapons had been arrested and would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

"IMN members were the ones using dangerous weapons, infact some policemen sustained injuries.

"Some suspects in possession with dangerous weapons have been arrested and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation," he said.

"This is not the first time that the IMM members are holding public procession despite their proscription by the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

"IMN has been proscribed by the Federal Government and their gathering today is against the ban on unlawful assembly," the police PRO added.