The Islamic Movement, also known as the Shiites, on Friday, accused the officers of the Nigerian Army of shooting live ammunition at their members and killing at least five while on procession for the International Quds Day ahead of Ramadan celebration in Abuja.
A member of the Islamic group, Sheikh Sidi Munir Sokoto, made the allegations in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
Sokoto said the Quds Day procession and activities, which are being conducted globally in Britain, France, America, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Canada and numerous countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the middle East, were also observed across Nigeria, including Abuja.
He, however, alleged that while the group was on peaceful procession in Abuja, the soldiers allegedly blocked their way with an armour vehicle and started shooting at the participants mostly women and minors.
The statement reads: “Today being the Last Friday of the sacred month of Ramadan 1446H Marks the International Quds day, a day designated by Imam Khomeini(QS) as a day of significance in solidarity with the oppressed People of the World, particularly the Palestinians.
“Quds day Procession and activities are being conducted globally in Britain, France, America, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Canada and numerous Countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the middle East.
“The Islamic Movement under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky(H), has been observing the international Quds day event for more than 40 years in Nigeria.
“However, the 2025 International Quds day was conducted Peacefully across Nigeria today except in Abuja.
“We wish to draw the attention of the general public that a team of the Nigerian Army (the Guard Brigade) attacked the procession using life ammunition, many sustained gunshot life threatening injury and some lost their lives as a result of the brutality.
“There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the brutality.
” In fact, they were Marching Peacefully from a Mosque in Banex Plaza where they observed the Juma’at Prayer heading to Wuse Market, the army blocked the way with an Armour Vehicle and started shooting on the Participants mostly women and minors.
“This incident is the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians who are exercising their legal rights.
“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested, however from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses the figure of those killed is around 5 people or thereabout. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.
“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
“The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated.”
