Another bloodshed in Kano as Shiites clash with security agents again

It was yet another bloody day in Kano as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, also known as Shiites, clashed with the police leading to the death of several people with hundreds allegedly injured.

Members of the Shiite movement have been in constant face off with security agents and other Muslims opposed to them.

According to reports, the clash occurred at Tamburawa, about 20 kilometres from Kano on the Kano-Zaria road at about 8am on Monday.

The sect members, in their hundreds were on an annual treking to Zaria.

According to sources, the sect members resisted the police leading to the violent clash.

According to police reports 10 people were killed including one policeman. But the Shiites claim that about 29 of their members were killed in the skirmish.

Due to the clash, sources also said the Kano-Zaria highway has been closed to traffic with thousands of commuters stranded.

It would be recalled that last December, members of the group clashed with the Army after they blocked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai, leading to the death of several of their members.

Also the leader of the sect, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, was arrested and has been in detention since then.

Read also: Army officer who faked his own kidnap to go on illegal operation arrested

Lately, the group has been in face off with other Muslims opposed to the sect after it was banned by the Kaduna and Plateau state governments.

Commissioner of police in Kano State, Rabiu Yusuf told newsmen that the trouble started when  ”thousands of Shi’ite members obstructed motorist and other road users free access to Kano-Kaduna express way”.

He stated that “they also attacked innocent citizens, damaged public and personal property thereby causing mayhem that could lead to general disturbance of public peace in the state”  ading, that “a combined team of PMF,CTU, SARS and conventional police were deployed to restore peace came under attack”

He assured that peace had been restored while urging citizens to go about their lawful activities without fear.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews…

 

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