Police disperse Shi’ite procession with tear gas, gunshots

The police on Friday dispersed a procession of Islamic Movement of Nigeria members around Wuse Market in Abuja.

The policemen reportedly fired tear gas canisters and gunshots in the air, forcing the Shi’ites and passers-by to scamper for safety.

The IMN procession which started on Sultan Abubakar Road abruptly ended after the Police action.

The Shi’ites planned to hold a nationwide procession on Saturday, in commemoration of their annual Arbaeen trek, sparking fears of another confrontation with security operatives.

Arbaeen is a Shi’ite annual religious practice usually conducted on the 20th Safar of Islamic calendar to mark the 40th day of the murder of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed on 10th Muharram.