At least five people are feared dead following a clash between Shiite protesters and the Nigerian Army in Abuja on Friday.
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, claimed that its members were peacefully marching from a mosque in Banex Plaza to Wuse Market when the army blocked their path with an armored vehicle and opened fire.
Sheikh Sidi Sokoto, a leader of the group, alleged that there was no provocation from the Shiite members to warrant the shooting by the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian Army, however, said that the Shiite members became violent, disrupted law and order, and engaged troops during their procession.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the confrontation but couldn’t confirm the number of casualties, stating that the Shiite members started engaging the troops, leading to an exchange of fire.
The clash occurred despite a security alert issued by the US ambassador in Nigeria, warning of planned IMN protests in Abuja and other major cities on Friday.