File Photo: A protest picture used for illustration
By Sadeeq Kamsela
At least five people were killed and many injured on Friday when security operatives clashed with Shi’ite protesters during an International Quds Day procession in Abuja.
The violence erupted near Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, where thousands of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) members had gathered to mark the last Friday of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians. Security forces, using armored vehicles, blocked the route and opened fire indiscriminately after Jummah prayers.
The IMN is an extremist Shi’ite Muslim group founded in the late 1970s by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, advocating for an Islamic state based on Shi’ite principles. The group has long been at odds with the Nigerian government, facing repeated crackdowns, arrests, and clashes with security forces.
The government officially banned the IMN in 2019, designating it as an illegal organization after a series of violent encounters, but the group continues to hold processions and demonstrations across the country.
A senior sect member, speaking anonymously to a source, described the escalation. “We planned to gather at the National Mosque, but it was occupied. To avoid confrontation, we moved toward the Customs Office but were blocked at Wuse Market. At Banex Plaza, where no security presence was initially observed, the military suddenly intervened.”
“After prayers, we began our procession. As we passed Banner Junction, soldiers—without police—arrived with an armored vehicle, blocked the road, and started shooting at unarmed civilians, including women and children. Five people are confirmed dead, many are injured, and several have been detained. An eyewitness saw a Hilux van carrying a body.”
The sect leader suggested a government directive was behind the crackdown. “We received a memo, allegedly from the National Security Adviser, instructing security forces to act. It was stamped and signed, reportedly circulated to security agencies nationwide. Yet, only Abuja saw violence.”
“This was a military operation. Authorities must explain their actions. Two weeks ago, the Foreign Affairs Minister supported Palestinian freedom in Saudi Arabia. Now, people here are attacked for the same cause. More details will emerge.”
The unrest disrupted commercial activities at Banex Plaza. Initial social media reports mentioned one fatality, but the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) later confirmed five deaths. Terlula Michael, an engineer at Banex Plaza, provided another perspective. “I saw protesters throwing stones at civilian vehicles—how is that peaceful?” he asked.
The U.S. Embassy had warned of potential unrest linked to IMN demonstrations. As of press time, neither the military nor the government had stated the clash.
