A peaceful demonstration in Abuja turned deadly on Friday as at least five members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, were shot and killed by the Nigerian Army. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries when security forces allegedly opened fire on participants of a pro-Palestine procession.
The march was part of the annual International Quds Day, a global event observed in solidarity with oppressed communities, particularly Palestinians. While similar processions took place across Nigeria without incident, the Abuja rally escalated into violence. Witnesses report that security forces blocked the procession route and used live ammunition against unarmed protesters.
According to sources within the IMN, the demonstrators had gathered at Banex Plaza for Jumu’ah prayers before beginning their march toward Wuse Market when they were confronted by soldiers. Panic ensued as gunshots rang out, forcing protesters to flee for safety.
Sheikh Sidi Munir Sokoto, a leader within the movement, condemned the attack and emphasized that such incidents have become a recurring issue in Nigeria. “This is not the first, nor even the second time we have clashed with security forces, he stated.
If you recall, under former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, even more members of this movement were killed. It is concerning that security forces repeatedly resort to using live ammunition on peaceful demonstrators.
He further explained that Quds Day processions are held worldwide, including in the UK, the US, Germany, Canada, and various African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries. In Nigeria, the event has been observed for over four decades, making the military response in Abuja particularly alarming.
“The Nigerian Army’s Guard Brigade attacked the procession with live ammunition, leading to numerous casualties. The participants were marching peacefully when soldiers intercepted them with an armored vehicle before opening fire, targeting mostly women and minors,” Sokoto added.
Although the exact death toll remains uncertain, eyewitness accounts estimate that at least five people lost their lives. Many others sustained serious injuries, while some were reportedly detained by security forces.
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Human rights advocates have repeatedly raised concerns over the Nigerian security forces’ handling of protests. Questions continue to be asked about why live ammunition is used against demonstrators rather than non-lethal crowd control measures.
The IMN has called for an independent investigation into the incident, urging authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. “The freedom to protest is a constitutional right that must not be trampled upon. We demand justice for those affected and accountability for those responsible.
