Fear grips Kano as nine die, several others injured in Police, Shiite clash
Fear grips Kano as nine die, several others injured in Police, Shiite clash
Fear and apprehension gripped Kano on Monday as the bloody clash between the Nigeria Police and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) resulted in deaths, injuries and destruction of properties at Tamburawa in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the ancient city.
Though unconfirmed reports said scores died during the incident which obstructed movement of travelers in and out of Kano along Kaduna-Kano express way, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rabi’u Yusuf told journalists that only nine people died—eight members of IMN and a police officer.
He added that four injured police officers and eight injured Shiite members are currently responding to treatment in the hospital, while 10 other Shiite members in detention will soon face trial for breach of the peace and inciting public disturbance.
Blindwtness reports that Shiite members and security agencies have been in a running battle in Kano, Kaduna and Abuja since the bloody confrontation between the sect members and soldiers in Zaria few months ago, which resulted to deaths, arrest and detention of their leader, his wife and other high ranking members of the sect.
They have continuously protested for the release of their leader.
The IMN members were on their annual Arbaneen symbolic procession from Kano to their headquarters in Zaria when the incident occurred Monday morning.
CP Yusuf told journalists that the Shiite members were armed with bows, arrows, catapults, and other dangerous weapons, attacking innocent citizens and police men who came to restore peace and order.
However, members of the sect who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said they were on peaceful procession when police came and started shooting at them.
Blindwitness also reports that heavily armed security men including soldiers, agents of State Security Services (SSS), and the police have cordoned off the area, clearing the way for motorists and travelers to continue with their journey.
Security men were also sighted in strategic locations across Kano metropolis, as residents are soaked in fear, discussing the development in hush tones.
Giving account of the incident, CP Yusuf said: “Today (Monday), at about 8 a.m., thousands of Shiite members obstructed motorists and other road users free access to Kano-Kaduna express way between Kwanar Dawaki and Tamburawa village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area.
“They also attacked innocent citizens, damaged public and personal properties thereby causing mayhem that could lead to general disturbances of public peace in the state. The police will not allow anybody or group of persons to hold the state to ransom.
“Combined team of PMF, CTU, SARS and conventional police were adequately deployed to ensure peace and safety of the people. In the process, Shiite members who were armed with bow and arrows, catapult with metal bolts, cutlass and other dangerous weapons attacked the police team, killing one police man and critically injured four others.
“They also snatched an AK 47 Rifle from a police man which they used in attacking the police men. The AK 47 Rifle was later recovered, eight Shiite members were mortally injured and rushed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by Doctor on call.”
He further charged all law-abiding citizens in the state to go about their businesses without fear or apprehension, adding that all police and sister security agencies are on red alert.
Though unconfirmed reports said scores died during the incident which obstructed movement of travelers in and out of Kano along Kaduna-Kano express way, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rabi’u Yusuf told journalists that only nine people died—eight members of IMN and a police officer.
He added that four injured police officers and eight injured Shiite members are currently responding to treatment in the hospital, while 10 other Shiite members in detention will soon face trial for breach of the peace and inciting public disturbance.
Blindwtness reports that Shiite members and security agencies have been in a running battle in Kano, Kaduna and Abuja since the bloody confrontation between the sect members and soldiers in Zaria few months ago, which resulted to deaths, arrest and detention of their leader, his wife and other high ranking members of the sect.
They have continuously protested for the release of their leader.
The IMN members were on their annual Arbaneen symbolic procession from Kano to their headquarters in Zaria when the incident occurred Monday morning.
CP Yusuf told journalists that the Shiite members were armed with bows, arrows, catapults, and other dangerous weapons, attacking innocent citizens and police men who came to restore peace and order.
However, members of the sect who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said they were on peaceful procession when police came and started shooting at them.
Blindwitness also reports that heavily armed security men including soldiers, agents of State Security Services (SSS), and the police have cordoned off the area, clearing the way for motorists and travelers to continue with their journey.
Security men were also sighted in strategic locations across Kano metropolis, as residents are soaked in fear, discussing the development in hush tones.
Giving account of the incident, CP Yusuf said: “Today (Monday), at about 8 a.m., thousands of Shiite members obstructed motorists and other road users free access to Kano-Kaduna express way between Kwanar Dawaki and Tamburawa village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area.
“They also attacked innocent citizens, damaged public and personal properties thereby causing mayhem that could lead to general disturbances of public peace in the state. The police will not allow anybody or group of persons to hold the state to ransom.
“Combined team of PMF, CTU, SARS and conventional police were adequately deployed to ensure peace and safety of the people. In the process, Shiite members who were armed with bow and arrows, catapult with metal bolts, cutlass and other dangerous weapons attacked the police team, killing one police man and critically injured four others.
“They also snatched an AK 47 Rifle from a police man which they used in attacking the police men. The AK 47 Rifle was later recovered, eight Shiite members were mortally injured and rushed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by Doctor on call.”
He further charged all law-abiding citizens in the state to go about their businesses without fear or apprehension, adding that all police and sister security agencies are on red alert.
