The Police and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, on Monday clashed in Abuja during a protest by the Shi’ites.
Monday’s protest led to the death of one person while many others were injured.
A reporter with Channels TV was also said to have been hit by a stray bullet with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
The Shi’ites have continued to protest in the capital city, demanding the release of their leader, El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015.
Nigerians took to Twitter to express their views on Monday’s protest.
@Adeyefa
“Shiites and Sunni’s battle ground moved from Syria to Nigeria! When will the fire brigades (Russia; USA; Iran; Saudi Arabia) move to quench the inferno? Play with lighter in a highly flammable area.”
@OmoGbajaBiamila
“Hello @MBuhari, what exactly is the plan to put an end to the Shiites Vs Police weekly face-off in the nation’s capital?
Do you intend to address the issues raised by the protesters or do you simply want to kill your way out of this mess?
Because, at this point, I’m confused!”
@I_Am_Ileoma
“Let’s forget about the Shiites & their motivations for a second
How is a group able to meet in your capital city, plan & then execute the plan in a manner that leaves a part of its central business district looking like this WITHOUT YOUR INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES PICKING IT UP? HOW?”
@OmoMojeed
“What is the definition of a peaceful protest in Nigeria? The Shiites are becoming a nuisance on the peaceful living of others but again, why is the FG holding onto their leader despite obvious court rulings against his continuous incarceration? Who grieves with the dead? #Abuja”
@Mustilemto
“I hope we are paying attention to the Shiites. Something needs to be done or something tragic is looming.
A protest shouldn’t lead to what just happened today in Abuja.
It is just a pity.”
@WhiteLion
“The Shiites have gone nuts. Welcome to the siege on Abuja.”
@RuthlessAnalyst
“I think Shiites excesses is becoming one too Many. Funny some of us were beginning to have sympathy for their course.
I don’t understand planning to Burn the Secretariat.
It is high time the Govt starts treating them like Criminals
@NigeriaInfoAbj
@PoliceNG
@NGRSenate
@MBuhari”
@Gimbakakanda
“Just reading that the Shiites are out in Abuja again, and I’m astounded by their decision to present themselves to death in such fashion. But if bullets can keep these people off the street, they would’ve long stopped. I think the government needs to sit down with them and TALK!”
@Olalekankogun
“In a Federal Capital Territory???
Which way #Nigeria?
#IMN #shiites”
@adeyanjudeyi
“Same government that negotiates with Boko Haram, bandits and Killer Herdsmen can’t tolerate protesting Shiites. Their answer is life Bullet.”