By Sarah NEGEDU
At least five people were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, when security forces clashed with Shi’ite protesters during an International Quds Day procession in Abuja on Friday.
The incident occurred near Bannex Plaza in Wuse 2, where members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, had gathered to mark the last Friday of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians.
Eye witnesses alleged that some military personnel, using armored vehicles, blocked the procession route after Jummah prayers and opened fire on demonstrators.
Though social media reports had reported that one casualty, a senior IMN member who preferred not to be mentioned, claimed that five bodies where sighted.
The source while narrating the unfortunate incident to a session of the media said the attack was premeditated.
“Today is International Quds Day, the last Friday of Ramadan. We always show solidarity with Palestine on this occasion. This morning, we saw a memo from the National Security Adviser instructing security forces to act. We initially planned to gather at the National Mosque, but it was occupied. To avoid confrontation, we moved towards the Customs Office, but security forces blocked us near Wuse Market. We proceeded towards Banex Plaza, where no security presence was observed.”
“Thousands had gathered from across the country. After Jummah prayers, we began our procession. As we passed Banner Junction, the military started shooting. Only the military were present—there were no police officers. They brought an armoured vehicle, blocked the road, and fired indiscriminately at unarmed civilians, including women and children. So far, five people are confirmed dead, many are injured, and security forces have detained several others. An eyewitness saw a Hilux van carrying a body. We are relocating to safety.”
The IMN leader suggested the crackdown was directed by government, claiming that a memo was earlier circulated to security agencies to that effect.
“We saw the memo but have not confirmed its authenticity. The version we received was stamped, signed, and secretly sent to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Security agencies nationwide received it, particularly in areas where processions were expected. Yet, only Abuja witnessed violence.
“This was the military. The leadership must explain why this happened. Two weeks ago, the Foreign Affairs Minister supported Palestinian freedom at a Muslim congress in Saudi Arabia. Every human being should stand for Palestinian rights, yet here, people are attacked for doing the same. More details will follow,” the source added.
The violence disrupted commercial activities around the Bannex Plaza with pedestrians and motorists scampering for safety.
The U.S. Embassy had earlier warned of potential unrest linked to IMN demonstrations. As of press time, neither the military nor the government had issued an official statement on the incident.
