Shiites hold funeral for slain members after deadly clash in Abuja

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite group, has held funeral prayers for six recovered bodies of its members who were killed during a violent clash with security forces in Abuja.

The IMN, which is a proscribed organization in Nigeria, accused the Nigerian Army of being responsible for the killings, claiming that dozens of its members lost their lives in the confrontation.

“Funeral prayers were held for the martyrs of the International Quds Day procession, observed by the Islamic Movement, who were killed by the @HQNigerianArmy,” the group stated in a post on its Facebook page.

“The six recovered bodies are among the dozens killed by the Nigerian army in Abuja on Friday, 28 March 2025,” it added.

The violence erupted on Friday at Banex Junction, Wuse 2, when IMN members encountered security personnel stationed along Aminu Kano Crescent.

The confrontation quickly turned deadly, resulting in at least 11 deaths, 32 injuries, and the arrest of 295 individuals.

Security sources said the altercation began around 2:20 p.m. when the demonstrators allegedly threw projectiles at security operatives, prompting a forceful response.

According to security analyst Zagozola Makama, three military personnel sustained serious injuries during the clash and were taken to the National Hospital. One of them later died, while the other two remain under medical care.