Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites on Saturday clashed with security agents in Kaduna leading to death of one and several others injured.
The proscribed Islamic group is headed by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzacky and on Saturday, trouble started when the group engaged in a parade to commemorate the annual Quds Day.
Eyewitness recounted that security agents stationed in Kaduna to Zaria road attempted to disperse the assembly, but the Shiite adherents resisted and violence broke out.
Tear gas was fired with gunfire by Security agents, while Shiites members set vehicles on fire in Zaria.
IMN’s Amir in Kaduna confirmed to journalists that today was their Quds day, a world event that they used to parade.
He said the event was being commemorated even in western countries, and expressed concerns at the manner Nigerian Security agents would always go after them every year.
Amir said they were aware of intention of Police to block their parade and they tried to avoid them, though.
“Yet they trailed from behind and used teargas and live bullets on our members, leading to the death of one person.
“We have just held the Janazah prayers and nine sustained bullet wounds,” he said.
The Amir also alleged that the police arrested about eight members of the group.
He denied allegations that a police station was burnt and that the Shi’ites had set ablaze vehicles.
The Kaduna State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige did not pick up his calls for comments.
