Police Halt Shiite Procession
Kaduna metropolis was gripped by rising tensions as a confrontation unfolded between police officers and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shiites. The Islamic sect, which had been outlawed by the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, typically holds a procession on the last Friday of Ramadan to mark the end of the Muslim fasting period.
A member of the sect, speaking on condition of anonymity, questioned the police’s actions, stating, “We call the last Friday of the Ramadan week procession – the musahara – and it is organized to celebrate and mark the end of Ramadan fast for that particular year. Why would the police therefore disperse a peaceful procession?”
The incident, which sparked pandemonium in the state capital, arose from the efforts of police operatives to disperse members of the Islamic group who were holding a procession in the city center. Earlier on Friday, a large gathering of IMN members had been observed along the Katsina Roundabout by Ahmadu Bello Way, with more members joining from the Tudun Wada area through Ibrahim Taiwo Road.
As the procession made its way through the Kano Road by the Ahmadu Bello Way towards the Leventis overhead bridge, formerly known as the Leventis roundabout, the police arrived and dispersed the gathering. This action sparked panic and fear among residents, particularly those with shops and businesses located along those routes, especially along the Ahmadu Bello Way.
The incident prompted many shop owners and banks to hurriedly close their premises, fearing potential crossfire typical of such situations.
Confirming the swift intervention of the police, DSP Aliyu Usman, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, stressed that their actions helped contain what could have escalated into a major crisis across the state.
According to Usman, the police arrested eight members of the IMN group and recovered items such as a locally fabricated gun, 30 catapults, several bows, and banners. He stated that upon sighting the officers, the sect members began hurling stones and using catapults against them, prompting a response with minimal force and tear gas.
Usman further revealed that three officers sustained injuries during the operation and are currently receiving treatment. However, he emphasized that the timely intervention led to the restoration of peace and calm in the area, allowing residents to resume their lawful activities and businesses.
The situation is being closely monitored, with police officers fully deployed on the ground. The arrested suspects are set to undergo thorough investigation and will be charged in court, according to the police spokesperson.
Tension in Kaduna as police stop Shiites procession published in Punch by Juwe Oluwafemi