Ashura Procession Turned Bloody As Shia Members, Police Clash in Bauchi

There was palpable tension and apprehension in Bauchi metropolis on Tuesday morning as many people scampered for safety when the Nigeria Police Force in the state clashed with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ites.

Media checks revealed the incident occurred around 10am on Tuesday at the Central Market Roundabout and Tashan Babiye area of Bauchi, the state capital.

The Police reportedly fired teargas and gunshots to disperse the protesters causing people to scamper to safety.

It was reported that Most shops in the popular Central Market were shut as traders immediately closed their shops and ran for their lives.

Although there has not been any detail of deaths from the incident, eyewitnesses say that several people were injured from the gunshots.

It was learnt that the IMN members who came out for their usual procession to press home their demand for the release of their leader, Sheikh El-ZakZaky who has been in detention since December 2015.

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said many of the Shi'ites were arrested and whisked away in Police vehicles.

"Early in the morning, the Shi'ites gathered to embark on their usual procession, but the Police blocked the road and fired teargas to disperse them.

According to him, "They (Police) also fired gunshots and many were injured. Several others were arrested and taken away in Police vehicles and taken to the hospital. I heard that the Shi'ites also stoned the Police, although I didn't witness that part, I was only told.

He added that "I was around the Central Market about 10am up to about 12pm and all the shops around that area were closed down and people ran for their dear lives. This is because the teargas got to the traders who were in their shops and even the houses around that area were also affected.

"Later on, the Police started arresting people there and those they arrested, they took away. And there is a school around that area and honestly, the teargas also affected them."

He said that the Police barricaded the road although motorists are driving slowly and this has caused traffic gridlock. Some people had to take alternative routes to get to their destinations.