The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, otherwise known as Shi’ites, said at least 12 of its member were killed on Tuesday by policemen during the peaceful procession in celebration of Ashura Day.
The deaths were recorded in Bauchi, Gombe Kaduna, Sokoto and Katsina states.
A statement issued by the spokesman of the group, Ibrahim Musa, however said there were no incidents in Abuja, Jos, Kebbi, Minna, Lafia, Yola, Gusau, Zaria, Kano, Jalingo, Damaturu, Hadejia and Potiskum, where the procession also took place.
According to him, at least three persons were confirmed killed by the police in Kaduna and 10 others injured during the procession.
In Bauchi, he said six persons, three each in Bauchi and Azare were killed when the police attacked the mourners.
Another 3 persons, he alleged were killed by the police in Gombe, Gombe state.
“One person was reportedly killed by the police in Illela, during the Ashura procession there, and another person was killed in Goronyo all in Sokoto state.
“In Malumfashi, Katsina state also another person was killed.
“In Katsina town however, several people sustained bullet wounds when the police opened fire on the mourners, not only during the mourning procession, but afterwards as the well armed policemen attempted to forcibly make their way into the Islamic centre of the Movement,” he said.
He noted however that the casualty figures may rise as some members who sustained serious gunshot wounds may not survive.
Meanwhile, the police is yet to react to the shooting in Bauchi, Kaduna, Gombe and Sokoto.
According to Musa, this year’s Ashura procession was held in all the state capitals of the North and Abuja.
