Friday in Kaduna witnessed scenes of chaos and panic as police officers intervened to disperse members of the Shiite Islamic sect who were on a procession to mark the International Qud’s Day in the state capital.
The situation quickly escalated into violence, causing traders to shutter their shops and civilians to flee for safety as gunshots reverberated through the normally bustling Kano Road area.
An eyewitness described how the police attempted to break up the gathering of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shiites, who had assembled along Kano Road and Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna.
"In the ensuing confrontation, casualties were reported on both sides, with approximately 2 Shiites feared dead and several police officers wounded, requiring urgent medical attention," the eyewitness reported.
ASP Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, stated that the IMN members became violent when approached by the police, resulting in arrests and the confiscation of weapons.
The turmoil left residents in the vicinity terrified, prompting many to remain indoors until the situation was brought under control.
Professor Dauda Nalado, a member of the IMN, explained that Quds Day is an annual observance during the month of Ramadan, highlighting the significance of the event for Shiite communities.
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