Clash between Nigerian security forces and members of pro-Palestinian group kill 6

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Violence erupted in Nigeria’s capital when soldiers clashed with members of a Shiite Muslim group during a demonstration, resulting in six fatalities, police reported on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday, with authorities confirming that one member of the security forces and five individuals from the Islamic Movement of Nigeria lost their lives during the confrontation.

Protest in Solidarity

The demonstrators were marching in support of the Palestinian cause as part of International Quds Day—a commemoration observed on the last Friday of Ramadan in solidarity with Palestinians worldwide. The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, known for its occasional demonstrations that sometimes escalate into violence, was on display once again. The group’s history of contentious protests dates back to 2015 when a military crackdown and the arrest of its leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, triggered intense public unrest. Although El-Zakzaky was later released, the group has persisted with nationwide demonstrations.

Group Background and Government Stance

Representing roughly 5% of Nigeria’s 100 million Muslims—the majority being Sunni—the Islamic Movement of Nigeria was inspired by the Islamic Revolution in Iran and initially pursued the formation of an Islamic state in Nigeria through peaceful means. However, following deadly protests and allegations of extremist connections, the Nigerian government banned the organization in 2019.

Diverging Accounts of the Incident

Sidi Munir Sokoto, a spokesperson for the group, asserted that their demonstration was entirely peaceful and maintained that they did nothing to provoke an attack by security forces. “This incident is the latest in a series of similar events where security forces have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians exercising their legal rights,” Sokoto said in a statement.

In contrast, police officials reported that members of the protest were armed with firearms, short swords, and even catapults. Responding to a distress call, security forces encountered “intense gunfire” that resulted in serious injuries to three soldiers and the death of another, further complicating the scene.

Ongoing Investigations and Arrests

Following the clash, authorities detained 19 individuals in connection with the incident. Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Abuja police, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. Meanwhile, rights group Amnesty International has criticized the Nigerian military, accusing them of employing tactics designed to inflict lethal harm during protests. The organization stressed that firearms should never be used as a tool for managing demonstrations and urged Nigerian authorities to carry out a full, independent investigation into the deaths, in accordance with international law.

As the situation unfolds, the incident adds to a growing list of concerns regarding the treatment of peaceful protesters in Nigeria and the methods used by security forces to maintain order.