No fewer than eight people were feared killed on Tuesday in Gwarinpa district of Abuja when some yet-to-be identified men in military uniform opened fire on some members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise called Shi’ites during the annual Arbaeen trek.
It was learnt that the gunmen attacked the group near the tricycle park at 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa around 10am.
Eyewitnesses were reported as saying that the armed men, who came in security patrol vans, stormed the area without prior notice to residents.
Although the casualty figure had yet to be confirmed by the authorities, a source alleged that the suspected operatives killed about eight people, including a passersby.
The source (name not given) said, “It was around 10am, we started hearing gunshots along the road. The shooting lasted about 10 minutes. But, after the shooting, the gunmen appeared to have succeeded in dispersing the Arbaeen trekkers.
“I can’t say how many people were killed but the corpses we counted were eight. What I can tell you is that up to eight people were killed in the incident. Some of the passersby, who had nothing to do with the Shi’ites, may have also been involved.”
The Secretary of IMN’s Academic Forum, Abdullahi Musa, was reported to have confirmed the incident. He, however, could not give detailed information on the casualties.
Musa reportedly said, “The Arbaeen trek is an annual street demonstration by Shi’ites globally. Since the military authorities demolished our Centre in Zaria, we have been leading the religious trek from here (Abuja). It began on Monday. However, we had hoped to conclude the activities today (Tuesday).
“We assembled at the Galadima gate (Charly Boy bus stop) in Gwarinpa around 9am, and staged our religious walk peacefully for about an hour. We neither made any demand on government nor criticised anyone during the trek. It was purely a spiritual exercise for us.
“But, as we were about to disperse, security operatives arrived the scene and opened fire on our members, injuring many and killing some people. As for the casualty figures, I need to verify the number and get back to you, please.”
It was learnt that earlier, the Shi’ites staged a similar street procession in Nyanya, Mararaba axis of the FCT.
The trek, which kicked off from Masaka and terminated in Mararaba, caused a major gridlock in the area.
