Tensions Rise As Shiites, Police Clash Again In Abuja
Barely 48 hours after members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) wreaked havoc during an invasion of the National Assembly, the Islamist group has reportedly clashed with Nigeria Police officers at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday.
The IMN, otherwise known as Shiites, are said to have raised tensions as motorists plying routes around the Federal Secretariat began taking alternative routes to avoid unforeseen attacks by the group.
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Five members of the group were apprehended by the police officers who fired gunshots and tear gas canisters to disperse them during today’s protest.
A Facebook user who witnessed the group’s protest today, shared: “Imagine having your car destroyed and facing near-death because the FG will not obey court orders? See us doing Ben Johnson and taking detours endlessly.”
The Shiites members have been protesting the continued detention their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for some time despite a court order for his release.
During the Shiites invasion of the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday, the group allegedly shot three police and civil defence officers while also vandalizing vehicles in the NASS premises.
