Updated: Shi’ites Stage Another Protest in Abuja

Malik Yahya/

Despite yesterday’s protest which degenerated into a bloody clash with police, leaving no fewer than 12 people dead, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police, members of the the Islamic Movement of Nigeria have embarked on another protest march in Abuja.

A eyewitness shared a video of the Islamic sect members, who are also known as Shi’ites, around Banex Plaza, Wuse 2 this afternoon, chanting solidarity songs as they marched along the road.

See video below:

The development brought commercial activities around the area to a halt, as policemen reportedly fired several shots in an attempt to disperse protesters.

Some of the Shi’ites were said to have fled into Banex plaza but the policemen chased after them, forcing traders to hurriedly lock up their shops to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

There were also unconfirmed reports of shootings in other parts of the city.

Apart from the police chief, identified as Usman Umar, a Channels TV reporter, Precious Owolabi, and no fewer than 11 members of the sect lost their lives to yesterday’s protest.

Several others were also injured, while two trucks belonging to the National Emergency Management Agency were burnt down by the protesters.

The Shi’ites have been protesting the prolonged detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky; and his wife, Zeenah.

Both have been in custody since 2015.

0