The sect in their number staged a protest to mark International Quds day Procession in solidarity with the oppressed people of the world particularly the Palestinians, an annual event which is being celebrated globally.

At least five members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi'ites have been reportedly shot dead while many others sustained varying degree of injuries following a violent attack by the Nigerian Army on a pro-Palestine procession in Abuja on Friday.

The sect in their number staged a protest to mark International Quds day Procession in solidarity with the oppressed people of the world particularly the Palestinians, an annual event which is being celebrated globally.

The movement noted had it has been observing the international Quds day event for more than 40 years in Nigeria and this year event was conducted peacefully across Nigeria on Friday 28, 2025, except in Abuja.

SaharaReporters had gathered that the protesters were marching peaceful shortly after they had observed Juma'at Prayer at the Banex Plaza but were attacked by the soldiers who were stationed around the Mosque leading to the death of many people and òthers with gunshots injuries.

The soldiers were also accused of using live ammunitions on the protesters as people scampered for safety to avoid being caught up in the melee.

Confirming the incident, an Islamic Scholar and a leader of the movement, Sheikh Sidi Munir Sokoto, in a statement described the tragic incident as the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces attacked civilians and members of the movement who were exercising religious and legal rights. 

He said the security agents descended on them without any provocation.

He therefore called for proper investigation into the incident with the view of ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected and perpetrators brought to book.

The statement read "Today being the Last Friday of the sacred month of Ramadan 1446H Marks the International Quds day, a day designated by Imam Khomeini(QS) as a day of significance in solidarity with the oppressed People of the World, particularly the Palestinians.

"Quds day Procession and activities are being conducted globally in Britain, France, America, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Canada and numerous Countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the middle East.

"The Islamic movement under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky(H), has been observing the international Quds day event for more than 40 years in Nigeria. However, the 2025 International Quds day was conducted Peacefully across Nigeria today except in Abuja.

"We wish to draw the attention of the general public that a team of the Nigerian Army (the Guard Bridgade) attacked the procession using life ammunition, many sustained gunshot life threatening injury and some lost their lives as a result of the brutality.

"There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the brutality. In fact, they were marching peacefully from a Mosque in Banex Plaza where they observed the Juma'at Prayer heading to Wuse Market, the army blocked the way with an Armour Vehicle and started shooting at the participants mostly women and minors.

"This incident is the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians who are exercising their legal rights.

"As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested, however from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses the figure of those killed is around 5 people or thereabout.Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.

"We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated."