Nigerian Shi'ite group says 4 killed in protests

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria

At least four members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’ite) have been killed, 30 injured and about 50 missing during clashes between the group and police in three Nigerian cities.

Spokesman of the Shi’ites, Ibrahim Musa told Anadolu Agency on Friday that police fired gunshots on thousands of the group members who were demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife held by the secret police since 2015. He said two were killed in Abuja, the nation’s capital and two in the northwest city of Kaduna on Thursday.

“For now, casualty figure in the Abuja protest stands at two dead, 20 of our members were injured and about 50 still missing, likely arrested by the police. Dozens arrested in Kaduna, two were killed by the police and 10 injured,” he said.

Musa vowed the group will continue the protest until authority obeys the ruling of the court which ordered his release since 2016.

Similar protest was also held in Lagos, Nigerian commercial city without casualty.

Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos Command; Bala Elkana said the Lagos protest was peaceful. “No arrest was made since it was peaceful,” he said.

The Shi’ite leader and his wife were arrested in December 2015 during a raid at his center in northwest Zaria town by soldiers for allegedly obstructing and attacking the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff on official visit to the area.

The group said about 100 of his members were killed and injured by the army during the raid. El-Zakyzaky has been in detention despite court ruling in favor of his release.

The group has stepped up protest to demand for immediate release of its leaders in recent time. Scores of people and policemen were also injured and vehicles vandalized during a protest at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday.