Abuja, Nigeria (AP) – Soldiers and members of Shia Muslim groups clashed in the Nigerian capital Abuja, police said Saturday.
A police spokesman said a security force and five members of the Nigerian Islamic movement were killed during Friday’s violence.
Members of religious groups are moving forward with Palestinians in conflict with Israel. The demonstrations were held on International Quds Day, which united with Palestinians around the world on the last Friday of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan.
Islamic movements in Nigeria are common, and violent demonstrations have begun to occur frequently, resulting in the loss of life and property. The group’s demonstrations took place in 2015 after the army suppressed the group and arrested its leader Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.
Despite his release, the group continued to demonstrate nationwide.
The Islamic movement in Nigeria is a Shia sect that accounts for about 5% of Nigeria’s 100 million Muslims, most of which are Sunnis. Its creation was inspired by the Islamic Revolution in Iran, with the aim of forming an Islamic State in Nigeria through peaceful means. However, the Nigerian government banned the group in 2019 after deadly protests and alleged extremist relations.
Sidi Munir Sokoto, a spokesman for the group, said they marched peacefully and did nothing to guarantee the alleged attack on their army, killing five members.
“This incident is the latest in a series of similar incidents, with security forces abused their power by targeting innocent civilians who exercise their legal rights,” Sokoto said in a statement.
However, police said members of the group were armed with guns, daggers and catapults and, after responding to distress calls, they were subjected to “strong gunfire” that resulted in “severe injuries” from three security forces and the death of another security force.
Abuja police spokesman Josephine Adeh said 19 people were arrested for the incident. “Investigations are underway to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.
Rights group Amnesty International accused Nigerian troops of using tactics designed to kill the group when they gather.
The rights group said guns should never be used as a tactical tool to manage demonstrations, and under international law, Nigerian authorities have an obligation to conduct a comprehensive, independent investigation into deaths.
