On Thursday, a group of individuals affiliated with the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, commonly known as “Shi’ites,” took to the streets of Kaduna to protest the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
In substantial numbers, members of the movement expressed their condemnation of Israeli attacks on Palestinians. As the Islamic sect marched through Muhammadu Buhari Way (formerly WAFF Road) in the city center, stones and pebbles were reportedly thrown in different directions, prompting motorists and other road users to seek safety.
Eyewitnesses reported that in response to the protest, police officers dispersed the demonstrators with live bullets, allegedly resulting in the death of two individuals. However, the Kaduna Police Command clarified to The PUNCH that only one person was confirmed dead during the clash with Shi’ite members.
ASP Mansir Hassan, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, attributed the fatality to the IMN members, whom he characterized as a violent sect.
Hassan said, “The movement came out today, Thursday 16, November 2023, knowing fully well the ban on public procession in the state. They intend to disrupt social, and economic activities in the state. They blocked the major roads in the metropolis, preventing innocent and law-abiding citizens from carrying out their daily businesses.
“Our operatives(police) in the process of dispersing them, were pelted with stones and other dangerous objects such as catapults and in the process, one innocent civilian by name Aliyu Sani(40 years old) was hit and died.
“The public knows the Shi’ites are violent people who can never protest peacefully and everybody knows that they have been outlawed in the state.”
