Two Persons Killed in Police, Shiite Clash in Kano

By Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Two unidentified member of Shiites sect were yesterday allegedly killed by anti-riot policemen in Kano during a clash.

The incidence started when members of the sect started  procession from Kofar Mazugal inside Kano metropolis at about 10a.m. and had their afternoon prayers at Kofar Nasarawa.

The sect members also terminated their walk at the popular Lado overhead bridge along Zaria road in the metropolis.

It was also learnt that while the sect member were dispersing, mobile policemen arrived at the scene and started firing teargas and live bullets.

Leader of the sect in Kano, Sunusi Abdulkadir, said a Muslim brother and sister were confirmed shot and killed by the police and their corpses taken away by their attackers.

According to him, many people were reportedly injured as a result of the presence of the policemen who were drafted to stop the Arbaeen annual procession which started peacefully in the state.

However, an official of the Shiite in Kano, Dauda Nalado, told THISDAY that the trouble broke out around Gyadi Gyadi roundabout immediately after the members learnt of police planned to attack them.

Nalado stated that the Shiites decided to terminate their procession to avoid any encounter with the police.

He said the sect terminated their procession at Gyadi Gyadi roundabout before the police fired teargas and bullet which resulted in the death and injuries of many sect members.

However, efforts to speak with the police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majia, proved abortive.