Members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as ‘Shi’ites’, on Saturday, commemorated the 40th day of the alleged assassination of their members by Policemen during the recent ‘Ashura’ procession where the sect clashed with the Police in Bauchi and Azare.
The event, which was held at Fodiya Islamic School in Azare, was attended by Shi’ites leaders from other local government areas of Bauchi State as well as from other neighbouring states.
While speaking to newsmen in an interview, leader of the sect in Katagum local government area, Malam Aliyu Abubakar Dawud said that the event was organised to remember and mourn their slain members.
He alleged that the Police, some months back, killed three of their members, injured 30 others and detained seven while they were demonstrating against the assassination of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain during his lifetime.
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He condemned the alleged attack on the sect during the procession claiming that they were unarmed and not violent when police allegedly molested them.
He said that the group will visit the grave of the deceased persons immediately after the gathering to offer special prayers for the repose of their souls.
Our correspondent gathered that the event was attended by the Shi’ites leader from Yobe State, Malam Abdullahi Siminti, and other local governments of Bauchi State.
However, it will be recalled that the Police did not confirm killing any sect member in the state but only admitted that there was a clash between them and the Shi’ites where some people were injured.
Our correspondent also gathered that Police all over the country banned any street protests or processions by the sect following their proscription by the Federal Government.
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