At least five people have reportedly been killed as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, clashed with security operatives during a protest in Abuja on Friday.
The demonstration, which took place at Banex Junction in Wuse 2, was organized to demand freedom for Palestine. Protesters were seen waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans, including “Freedom for Palestine.”
Tensions escalated when some protesters allegedly began throwing stones at security personnel. In response, the security operatives fired shots to disperse the gathering.
The exact number of casualties remains unverified, but sources claim multiple injuries and fatalities.
Videos circulating on social media showed the protesters marching through Wuse 2 before security forces intervened. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as officers attempted to disperse the demonstrators, triggering panic among residents and business owners in the area.
Efforts to obtain comments from the spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command, Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the IMN, Sidi Munir Sokoto, condemned the security forces’ actions, describing them as an “abuse of power” against peaceful demonstrators.
“This is yet another tragic incident where security forces have abused their power by targeting innocent civilians who were merely exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” Sokoto said in a statement.
He further alleged that at least five protesters were killed, though the exact number of casualties and arrests remains unclear.
“As of now, we cannot confirm the exact number of those killed, injured, or arrested. However, based on reliable eyewitness accounts, the death toll stands at around five. We will provide updates as more information emerges,” he added.
IMN has called on the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.
“The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated,” the group emphasized.
The IMN has a long history of protests in Nigeria, often met with forceful responses from law enforcement agencies.
The latest demonstration adds to a series of confrontations between the group and security personnel, raising concerns about the continued tensions between both parties.
Human rights organizations have previously criticized the Nigerian government for its handling of IMN protests, urging restraint and respect for fundamental rights.
The security situation in the FCT remains tense, with authorities yet to release an official statement on the matter.
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