No fewer than six persons reportedly died on Monday following a clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and security agents while observing their Ashura mourning procession in Zaria, Kaduna state.
The Islamic group while disclosing this in a statement said at least 40 other followers of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky were injured during the face-off.
Part of the statement reads: “Security forces have, today, Monday, gunned down at least seven followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), and injured over 40 others during the Ashura mourning procession in Zaria which was observed peacefully across Nigeria and different parts of the world.”
Similarly, the IMN leader in Zaria, Abdulhamid Bello, accused the combined team of security operatives of shooting indiscriminately at the members of the movement.
According to Bello, those killed includes: Jafar Jushi, Kazeem Magume, Ali Samaru, Muhsin Zakzaky, Umar Fatika and another member who he could not identify as of the time of filing this report.
“The total casualty figures had yet to be ascertained, noting, however, that “a lot of them have been rushed to St Luke’s Hospital, Wusasa, while those in critical condition were taken to ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika l, also in Zaria, the IMN leader added.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Jalinge denied the allegation that his men killed any Shiite member adding that he is yet to be informed if there is any such development.
Truthlive.net gathered that the procession, which also took place at the everbusy Leventis Roundabout in Kaduna metropolis and Kawo Bridge, was reportedly peaceful as no cases of casualties were recorded.
According to one of IMN’s leaders, Aiyu Umar, who led the procession in Kaduna, he said, “Today, we came out in order to commemorate the day of Ashura.
“The importance of the day is a day of seeking justice as Imam Hussein did. We use this date to remind the people that this day is the day of justice and people should emulate Imam Hussein in seeking justice.”