Many feared dead including two police officers in a violent altercation between Nigerian police and Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) members in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday, according to the police force.
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, often known as Shi’ites, said that the Nigeria Police attacked the peaceful Arba’een Symbolic Trek in Wuse, Abuja, killing and injuring numerous mourners. The police, however, refuted the charges and accused the group of attacking their personnel.
The celebration, which began on Saturday, August 24, is to commemorate and mourn the death of Imam Hussain (AS), who was killed in Karbala (in modern-day Iraq) in 61 AH, which is equivalent to 680 CE. Imam Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Ṭalib (AS) was a grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Sayyida Fatima bintu Muhammad (SAWA), and younger brother of Imam Hassan ibn Ali (AS).
In an effort to break up the peaceful parade, a group of police officers brandishing guns opened fire on the sect, using tear gas canisters and live ammunition. There was chaos in the area as drivers and onlookers scrambled to safety, with multiple participants in the action suffering from various degrees of injuries.
There were purportedly a number of IMN members killed, however Africhome Sources was unable to independently confirm this.
