Graphic Photos: Four Shiites killed, 17 others injured in Kaduna, Kano clashes

Four members of the outlawed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiites were feared killed in Kaduna yesterday.
Members of the group were attacked when irate youths invaded and demolished an Islamic school owned by the Shiites in Tudun Wada area of the state.
The state government last week classified the movement as an illegal organisation and banned all its activities.

The state also directed security agencies to arrest the group’s spokesman, Ibrahim Musa for issuing a statement after the ban. The residence of one of the leaders of the movement in Tudun Wada, Mallam Muktar, was also set ablaze by the mob.
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, spokesman of the state police command, Aliyu Usman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), denied the allegations that the police supported the attack by not reporting at the scene on time.
According to him: “By the time the police arrived at the spot, the mob had already killed members of the movement.”

In a related case, the spokesperson of Kano State Police Command, DSP Musa Magiya, has confirmed that 17 members of the movement sustained injuries yesterday morning when youths attacked their procession in the state.
A witness told The Guardian that members of the group were attacked by the youths along Konar Mazurka way near Sani Abacha Youths Centre during a procession to celebrate their yearly Ashoorah Day.
Although no life was lost, the injured members of the movement have been taken to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital Kano, for treatment.
Magiya, while speaking to journalists said: “The police protected members of the group from further attack by an angry mob who was against the procession.”
An eyewitness said he saw some youths with swords, knives and other dangerous weapons attacking members of the group during their march.

“Many of them sustained injuries while others quickly removed their black attire to conceal their identity from the mob, “ the source said.
The clash occurred a day after the police banned all religious processions in the state.
Also, some residents of Anguwan Rogo in Jos North local council of Plateau State yesterday evening burnt down a building belonging to the Shiites.
According to an eyewitness, the attackers belong to a gang called Yan Daba.
The Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven Media, Captain Ikedichi Iweha confirmed the incident.
According to him: “Security agents have moved into communities in Anguwan Rogo, Gangare, Katako and Anguwan Rimi to maintain law and order. The place is calm now and we will intensify patrols in that area and we appeal to people to go about their normal businesses.”
Meanwhile, business activities were temporarily grounded yesterday in Yola, the Adamawa State capital as members of the IMN blocked major streets protesting against the continued detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
As early as 9:00a.m members of the Islamic sect dressed in black took over Muhammed Mustapha way, forcing businesses operating in the area to shut down over fear of attack.
Security agents, including the military were positioned in strategic areas on patrol to avoid the break-down of law and order.

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