1 killed, 2 wounded in police, Shiites clash in Kaduna

One person died and no less than two people injured around the Leventis round-about in Kaduna yesterday when the police tried to disperse members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) who were protesting the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

Several of the IMN members were also arrested and taken away by the police.

The wounded people were taken to anundisclosed hospital in Kaduna for treatment.

The police in a swift reaction said its men were at the Leventis round-about after getting reports that the Shiites were about to embark on a protest march.

Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna State, ASP Mukhtar Husseini Aliyu, said the police were there to disperse the procession as the state government had banned procession.

He said in the course of doing that however, there was an altercation and two civilians and one policeman were injured.

He said the situation had been brought under control and normalcy returned to the place.

Aliyu said some of the protesters had been arrested and would be charged to court.

Media Spokesman of the IMN, Ibrahim Musa had earlier issued a statement saying, “Fee Zakzaky processions were carried out in major towns of Northern Nigeria to press for the freedom of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky because of the news of his deteriorating state of health.

“Protests had taken place in Kaduna, Kano and Bauchi among several other places yesterday night. In Kaduna, hundreds of members of the Movement and sympathizers came out on at least three occasions to demonstrate in demand for immediate freedom for the Sheikh to enable him go to seek urgent treatment.”