Shi’ites, police resume hostilities in Abuja

Again, men of the Nigerian Police yesterday in Abuja clashed with some protesters believed to be members of the Islamic Movement, otherwise known as Shi’ites, who have continuously demanded for the unconditional release of their leader, Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife.

The latest clash which turned violent again led to partial desertion of the Aguiyi Ironsi road in Maitama area by motorists and pedestrians. Our correspondent reports that while the confusion lasted, a woman and her toddler as well as several other Shi’ites were arrested and whisked away by the combined force of mobile policemen and soldiers. The fracas also left on its trails damaged vehicles and smashed cars allegedly owned by passers-by and workers working within the vicinity.

According to an eyewitness, the protesters had gathered at the Human Rights Commission’s offi e on Aguiyi Ironsi Way to press home their demands when police came around to ensure peace and order.

The source said: “At that point, a certain Deji Adeyanju tried to meddle into the matter and before we knew it, it escalated and everything became uncontrollable and people started scampering for safety. “The protests started peacefully, but later turned violent after police forcefully dispersed the protesters.”

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