The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as the Shiites started another protest today in the central area of Abuja that turned violent. The Nigerian Police Force is said to have clashed with the group as they were protesting.
The Police closed off the road leading to the National Assembly and the three arms zone that had been disrupted by the Shiites by firing tear gas to break up the protest. Some reports claim that the police also opened fire on the protesters before they turned really violent.
There has been several injury cases reported and some people have been hit by stray bullets including a Channels TV reporter. The protesters in response to being shot at set fire to a sub-station of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Federal Secretariat.
The Police have tried to calm some of the fears of people telling residents that they have the situation under control. They took to their twitter to share this information and advise them to calm down and avoid the affected areas.
Citizens are advised to remain calm and avoid the affected areas in the interim. The Police will keep the public abreast with further development.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) July 22, 2019
Other Twitter users have also been posting videos of the situation in the affected areas advising other people to avoid the areas.
News update….
It's happening now in Abuja
Protesters set NEMA trucks on fire and its been exploding.Central Area Abuja is hot right now#AbujaTwitterCommunity
pic.twitter.com/cvng4ywl5r— Cute Pups (@Pups_03) July 22, 2019
The Shiites have been protesting for a while now for the release of their spiritual leader, Ibrahim Elzakzaky, who was arrested alongside his wife, Zinat, in 2015.