Shiite members clash in Kaduna; three dead, many injured

Kaduna was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday following a clash between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and security operatives in Tudun Wada, Kaduna the state capital.

A resident alleged that members of the Shiite sect were preparing for a protest against the arrest of their leader Sheik Ibraheem El zakzaky by the military when police operatives swooped on them in Tudun Wada area.

He added that the sect later regrouped at Tudun Nupawa area where many of them were said to have engaged the police in a shootout, leading to injuries on both sides, while about three persons were feared dead.

A source at the police clinic along Independence Way Kaduna also hinted that no less than four police officers were brought in injured, with one in critical condition.

The Minister of interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau led the Federal Government delegation to Kaduna State to see things for themselves. The Minister held a closed door meeting with the state Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai on the development in the state before proceeding to Zaria to ascertain what really transpired between the sect and the soldiers.

Danbazau told reporters at Kaduna government house that “I came to Kaduna to see the situation of things and I decided to see the Chief Security officer of the state. I am on my way to Zaria to see the situation of things,” he said.

However the sect in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna said, “The mobile police unit (MOPOL) attacked a peaceful protest staged by the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Kaduna, killing 3 people on the spot, with many receiving gunshot injuries.

“As usual with such protest conducted by the Muslim brothers, it started peacefully from Layin kosai area of Tudun Wada Kaduna, however when it reached Tudun Nupawa near Enugu road, MOPOL, in about 5 vehicles opened fire on the protesters.

“The main aim and slogans of the protesters was ‘Release Sheikh Zakzaky!’ ‘Enough is enough!’

“The protest was dispersed by the police by their sporadic shootings; however about 9 police vehicles moved to Tudun wada where the Markaz (Islamic Cenre) of the muslim brothers is situated and opened fire there.”