The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, have alleged that the police force attacked them at a guest house in Suleja, Niger State, where many were arrested and others injured.
They also alleged that the police were the first to attack them during the annual Arbaeen procession in Abuja, resulting in numerous deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Speaking on behalf of the movement, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara told journalists in Abuja on Monday that the procession, which commemorates the 40th day of remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, was peaceful until police forces appeared and began shooting indiscriminately.
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He rejected the police’s claims that they attacked the officers, describing those assertions as false, fabricated, and misleading.
Sheikh Mainasara maintained that their members were unarmed and defenseless during the procession.
He called on the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that those arrested are not tortured, and that those injured receive proper medical attention.
The Islamic cleric said, “This statement by the police is false, fabricated, and misleading. And we would like to set the record straight. We reject and condemn the statement from the PRO FCT Police Command in its entirety.
It’s a statement aimed at scapegoating the movement as well as seeking cheap public sympathy that will allow them to carry out even further atrocities against defenceless civilians.
Culled from Vanguard
