Violence erupted in Kaduna, Nigeria on Friday, April 5, 2024, as members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, clashed with police during a procession. The Shi’ites were reportedly marking International Quds Day, which expresses solidarity with the Palestinians over the Israel–Hamas war.
Reports claim that police fired live ammunition to disperse the crowd, resulting in fatalities. The Shi’ite group alleges five members were killed with 24 others injured, while the police maintain there was no civilian casualty.
“Our men didn’t use live ammunition but only use teargas to disperse them,” police spokesman Mansir Hasan said. Both sides accuse the other of initiating violence.
The Kaduna State Police Command maintains the IMN gathering was illegal as the group is banned in the state. Police spokesman ASP Hassan claims Shi’ite members attacked officers and civilians with dangerous weapons. IMN leader Malam Aliyu Tirmiziy refutes these claims, insisting their procession was peaceful.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
