Adams Agbo, Kaduna.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiite group has alleged that 12 of its members were killed by the police nationwide during the Ashura mourning procession, on Tuesday.
President of Media Forum of the IMN, Ibrahim Musa, in a statement, in Kaduna, noted that at least three persons were confirmed killed by the police in Kaduna State alone while 10 others were injured when thousands trooped out for the procession in the early hours, of Tuesday.
Musa also said report from Bauchi State indicated that three of their members were killed and another three killed in Azare, bringing the figures to six in the state.
According to him, another three persons were killed by the police in Gombe city, in Gombe State.
He added, “One person was reportedly killed by the police in Illela, during the Ashura procession there, and another person was killed in Goronyo all in Sokoto State.
“In Malumfashi, Katsina State also another person was killed.
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“In Katsina town, however, several people sustained bullet wounds when the police opened fire on the mourners, not only during the mourning procession, but afterwards as the well armed policemen attempted to forcibly make their way into the Islamic centre of the Movement.
“These casualty figures may however rise due to gunshot wounds sustained by some of the peaceful mourners.
“This year’s Ashura procession was held in all the state capitals of the North and Abuja. It ended peacefully in Abuja, Jos, Kebbi, Minna, Lafia, Yola, Gusau, Zaria, Kano, Jalingo, Damaturu, Hadejia and Potiskum.
“Today’s show of shame and rage by the police across the states was sequel to the tragic orders given to it by the Inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu to brutally attack the Ashura mourners.”
The IMN spokesman said the fact that the mourning procession ended peacefully in places not attacked by the police, was sufficient evidence as to who the instigators of violence were whenever “we are carrying out our legitimate religious duties.
“We are grateful to Allah the Almighty that has granted us the courage to come out in several cities and villages across the country to commemorate the brutal killing of Imam Hussein (AS), the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad as it is done in several cities across the globe, despite intimidation and threats by the federal government and its agents, acting on behalf of the Saudis by proxy,” he declared.