Malik Yahya/
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, reportedly shot two policemen and a civil defence officer, when they stormed the National Assembly in their hundreds this afternoon.
The protesters, who are demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, reportedly forced their way into the complex, clashing with the police in the process.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the Shi’ite members gained entrance into the first gate of the Assembly after overpowering the policemen manning the entrance.
The protesters then went on rampage, burning three vehicles and damaging several others, including a police van. They thereafter disarmed one of the policemen and used his gun to shoot the security operatives.
They also reportedly entered the main entrance popularly known as MOPOL gate and vandalised the gatehouse.
The sect members also resisted efforts to disperse them by security operatives, who fired tear-gas canisters into their midst.
The development forced staff and visitors to seek shelter inside the Assembly building.
Meanwhile, the FCT police spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, said in a statement that the command had arrested 40 suspected members of the cult.
He also denied that the Shi’ite members snatched police guns, saying that they were rather prevented from forcing their way into the NASS premises by the policemen on ground.
The statement reads: “The group which started its activity camouflaged in a peaceful procession became violent and were trying to force their way into the National Assembly.
“Police operatives on the ground, however, acted proactively, professionally and used minimum force to disperse the unruly protesters.
“Forty members of the sect have been arrested in connection with the violent protest and investigation is in progress.”
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