Shiites cause gridlock in FCT

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, held another march along the Nyaya- Mararaba axis, causing an excruciating gridlock.

They have been holding peaceful protests in Abuja and Kaduna over the detention and trial of their leader.

The travail of the sect is historical, hitting the climax in December 2015 when the sect again clashed with the military in Zaria leading to the death of hundreds. They had a clash with the military in 2014 leading to the death of two of the sons of their their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky.

The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) assured residents of the territory of adequate security following reports of the procession by the sect members.

Members of the sect have been protesting the detention of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky since 2015 who had since been facing trial.

Mr. Anjuguri Manzah, Spokesman of the FCT Police command, said on Sunday in Abuja that both uniform and plain-clothe police operatives would be deployed at strategic points to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

He said that adequate security measures have also been put in place to ensure free flow of vehicular movement territory.

He enjoined members of the public to feel free to go about their lawful activities.

“The command seizes this medium to address member of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria on the need to be law abiding, and ensure they write and secure the appropriate clearance before embarking on any form of procession in FCT,” he said.

The procession of Shiites was generally peaceful, however, caused a massive gridlock along the road.

It comes less than 24 hours after three members of the sect were killed after a clash with troops of the Nigerian Army.

According to a statement by the Commander of the Army headquarters Garrison, Major General James Myam, the clash occurred on Saturday afternoon at Zuba bridge in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He explained that the sect members, who were supposedly in a procession, set up an illegal roadblock along the route, which the convoy of the troops attempted to clear.

While doing so, General Myam said some members of the group attacked the troops who were escorting missiles and ammunition from Abuja to the Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State.

In defence, the troops opened fire on the IMN members which resulted in the killing of three of them.

Some soldiers also obtained injuries in the process.