The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, otherwise known as Shi’ites, has claimed that many of its members were feared injured while others were arrested as police allegedly fired those carrying out International Quds Day procession in Kaduna.
IMN said its members were on peaceful International Quds Day procession globally in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.
In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Friday by Ibrahim Musa, President, Media Forum of IMN, the group alleged that “a large contingent of the police in battle gear had been threateningly patrolling the streets of Kaduna even before the commencement of the march”.
It added, “Hardly had the peaceful march started when the armed policemen opened fire without warning, with tear gas and live ammunition indiscriminately. This led to pandemonium on the busy streets of the central area.
“They were seen thereafter mounting road blocks and emergency checkpoints and diverting traffic away from the central area.
“It is not clear how many people were injured or arrested as the police action has led to severe traffic gridlock inconveniencing road users.
“Many people were overheard denouncing the action of the police saying that this is not the first Quds Day protest being held in Kaduna, why would it be attacked by a police force that chickens out when it comes to dealing with the menace of armed bandits or kidnappers in the state but come out in full force when it comes to stopping peaceful protests?
“This year’s Quds procession has been marked everywhere in the country peacefully except in Kaduna, where the Governor is in the mood of spilling innocent citizens blood in this holy month of Ramadan.
“Therefore, the Governor will be surely held responsible for the unnecessary violence visited upon peaceful marchers.”
