A deadly military crackdown on Shi’ite protesters in Abuja left at least five dead and many injured during the International Quds Day procession. Eyewitnesses allege indiscriminate gunfire by security forces, while human rights groups demand accountability. The government has yet to respond to the fatal incident.
A deadly confrontation erupted in Abuja on Friday when security forces clashed with Shi’ite protesters during an International Quds Day procession, resulting in at least five deaths and multiple injuries.
The violence unfolded near Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, where thousands of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) had assembled in solidarity with Palestinians on the last Friday of Ramadan.
Eyewitnesses reported that the military, using armored vehicles, blocked the route and fired live rounds at the demonstrators after Jummah prayers. According to a senior member of the movement who spoke anonymously, the procession initially planned to begin at the National Mosque but had to be relocated after security forces occupied the area. The group attempted to march from the Customs Office but was again obstructed, forcing them to move toward Banex Plaza.
“The military was the only security presence,” he said. “No police officers were there. They blocked the road with an armored vehicle and started firing indiscriminately at unarmed civilians, including women and children. So far, five people have been confirmed dead, many others are injured, and some have been detained.”
The crackdown has raised questions about whether it was premeditated. The IMN official claimed they had seen a memo from the National Security Adviser instructing security agencies to take action against the protests. However, the authenticity of the document had not been independently verified.
Eyewitnesses had conflicting accounts. While IMN members described an unprovoked military attack, an observer at Banex Plaza, Terlula Michael, alleged that some protesters had thrown stones at civilian vehicles.
