By Ruth Terry
Abuja
The police yesterday clashed with hundreds of Shi’ites in the central area of Abuja, tear-gassing demonstrators as they made attempt to enter the National Assembly.
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) have been campaigning for the release of their leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, detained since 2015.
The group’s members arrived the National Assembly maingate about noon yesterday and attempted to forcefully enter the premises but were resisted by police reinforcement, supported by the Nigeria security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) who later fired tear gas at the protesters and chased the fleeing demonstrators into the neighbouring federal secretariat as they struggled for air.
The chase, headed towards the national mosque, created pandemonium as people scampered for safety.
