Abuja, Nigeria – March 30, 2025 – Nigerian police have reported coming under intense gunfire during a violent clash with Shi’ite Muslim protesters in Abuja’s Wuse 2 neighbourhood on Friday, March 29. The confrontation led to several reported deaths and injuries.
Background of the Protest
📌 The banned Shi’ite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) staged a solidarity march for Palestine in Abuja.
🔴 The protest turned violent after clashes erupted between the demonstrators and Nigerian security forces, including soldiers and police.
Police and IMN Statements on the Violence
🚨 Police Account:
- Security forces encountered gunfire from the protesters.
- Three security officers were seriously injured, and one later died.
- 19 suspects were arrested during the unrest.
🗣️ Shi’ite IMN Response:
- IMN blamed the military, claiming their protest was peaceful.
- Senior IMN leader Sidi Munir Sokoto accused the army of using excessive force and put the death toll at five.
📹 Social Media Footage: Videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter) show protesters waving Palestinian flags, throwing stones at an army vehicle, and running as gunfire erupted.
Call for Investigation
⚖️ Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the use of live ammunition on the protesters.
🔎 Isa Sanusi, the director of Amnesty Nigeria, called for an impartial investigation, alleging that the military has a pattern of excessive force against IMN protesters.
🎙️ The Nigerian Army has not yet responded to these allegations.
The incident adds to Nigeria’s history of deadly clashes between security forces and IMN members, raising concerns over human rights violations and the escalation of tensions.
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