In Kaduna State, tragedy struck on Thursday as two innocent civilians lost their lives in the midst of a clash between security forces and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, during a protest denouncing the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
According to reports, the protesters intended to march to the National Human Rights Commission’s office to deliver a letter in solidarity with the people of Gaza in Palestine. However, their peaceful demonstration was met with stern opposition from security agents, leading to the unfortunate deaths of a commercial motorcycle operator, commonly known as an ‘okada man’, and another bystander.
An eyewitness disclosed that as the Shiites commenced their procession, the police fired tear gas and engaged in sporadic shooting to disperse the demonstrators. Tragically, a stray bullet claimed the life of the okada man, while his passenger narrowly escaped the same fate.
Further along the Sokoto road near the Chicken Market in Kaduna, another innocent passerby, who was not affiliated with the Shiites, fell victim to a stray bullet and succumbed to the injuries.
Aliyu Umar Tirmidhi, a prominent Shiite leader, clarified that their intention was to peacefully protest the unjust killings of Palestinians in Gaza. He emphatically stated, “The Israeli occupiers have, for the past 75 years, perpetrated genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid against unarmed civilians, including men, women, and children.”
On the other hand, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan, placed the blame for the altercation on the protesters. He alleged that only one person was killed by the Shiites and defended the actions of the police, asserting, “Our personnel were present to uphold law and order.”
He also absolved the police of responsibility for the tragic deaths, attributing them to the Shiites.
