Police, Shiite Clash: Dozens Arrested, FCT Residents Panic

It was panic and chaos on Monday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory as the police battled members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites.

Trouble started early in the morning when hundreds of police personnel took over the Unity Fountain, a place used as center of rallies and protest by different groups.

As the Shiites arrived for their daily protest over the continued detention of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zak-zaky, our correspondent learnt that the police tried preventing them from gathering a situation that quickly turned into open confrontation between both parties.

The police responded with water cannons, while the members of the IMN took to hurling stones at the police.

It was not long before teargas canisters were launched as well as live shots into the air as residents were caught in the melee.

Workers at the NCC went into full panic mode as a stray bullet hit a window in the imposing building.

As the clash raged, a detachment of military were deployed round and about the Nicon Hilton, Nigeria Communications Commission as and the Federal Secretariat axis.

However, by late afternoon dozens of Shiites have been arrested, The WHISTLER learnt.

When contacted, the FCT Police Command spokesman, Mamza Anjugiri, declined to comment on the issue and number of those arrested, insisting that the command was working on the number as it was a developing situation as at the time of this story.

A Facebook user, Edith Yassin, posted: “Please be informed that there is an ongoing fracas between Police and a religious group around the Hilton/ Maitama axis. This is a fluid and developing situation. Stay safe.”