The Nigerian Army, and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiites, have clashed in Funtua, Katsina state, leaving many people dead and injured.
The Shia Islamic sect, the second largest part of Islam, whose beliefs contrast heavily with Sunni Islam, were said to have attempted to burn down the Police Area Commander’s office in the town during a procession.
Members of the Shia group, allegedly opened fire on the policemen using Dane guns, which led to the retaliation of the police that ended in a bloody disaster as many persons lost their lives.
The Katsina clash has so far left 11 people dead, and many others injured, among which are two polocemen.
The Nigerian Army also claimed that the Shia members were warned about their procession and termed it an “unlawful ” procession, but the group had responded with violence.
This is not the first time the Army and members of the Shi’a sect will be involved in a bloody clash.
In December last year, the Shiites clash with the Nigerian Army in Zaria left dozens dead and resulted in the arrest of Shiite leader, El Zakzaky, who is still yet to be released despite demands from the group and his lawyers for the Nigerian Army to do so.