Eight Shi’ites members, one policeman die in Kano

Eight members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and one policeman have died during a clash between police and members of the sect in Kano on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Rabiu Yusuf, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Monday.

Yusuf said that four policemen and many members of the Shi’ites were injured during the clash which occurred along Kano-Zaria road in the city.

He said, “During the clash, we were able to arrest many members of the IMN and we are going to conduct an investigation into the incident.

“Members of the movement snatched an AK 47 riffle from our men, but we were able to recover it.”

The commissioner called on the general public to go about their normal business as normalcy has been restored to the city.

The spokesperson of the sect in Kano, Malam Ali Kakaki, said members of the group were on a protest demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

He said, “As our members walked toward the Amana City close to Tamburawa Area, some policemen began to shoot in all directions.

“The casualties on our side involved women and children.”

(NAN)