Nigeria police and other security forces have clashed with members of the Shiite movement at Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, had embarked on a major protest to challenge the continuous detention of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky.
But what looked like a peaceful protest soon turned into a clash as police officers were videoed shooting into the air and teargassing.
An Abuja resident told Chronicle NG that stray bullets pierced through the windows of Nigeria Communications Commission offices.
“Shiites Group has commenced a major protest on Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja. This is an emergency situation,” Kike Adeniji told Chronicle NG.
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“Police is currently engaging them and loud gun shots are been heard. Please advise colleagues, friends and family in Abuja to simply avoid the City Centre area today,” she added.
But Shamsudeen Alshirazy, a Shiite member said Nigerian security agencies attacked the protesters first. “Coalition of Nigerian forces are now shooting at us with live bullets during #FreeZakzaky peaceful protest at the National Human Right Commission, Maitama, Abuja. Many where killed and injured,” he claimed.
