There is growing worry in certain areas of Kaduna because of a conflict between police and members of the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiites.
The Islamic group, which was previously banned by the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari, typically marches on the last Friday of Ramadan to mark the end of the fasting period.
A member of the group told PUNCH Online anonymously, “We call the last friday of the Ramadan week procession – the musahara – and it is organized to celebrate and mark the end of Ramadan fast for that particular year.
“So why did the police break up a peaceful procession?”
The incident, which caused chaos in the state capital, happened when the police tried to disperse members of the Islamic group who were holding a march in the city center.
On Friday, The PUNCH noticed a large gathering of IMN members near the Katsina Roundabout by Ahmadu Bello Way, while more members also arrived from the Tudun Wada area through Ibrahim Taiwo Road.
They had started moving through the Kano Road and the Ahmadu Bello Way down to the Leventis overhead bridge, which was previously the Levetis roundabout, before the police arrived and dispersed them.
This caused panic and fear among the residents, especially those with shops and businesses along those routes, particularly along the Ahmadu Bello Way.
The incident led many shop owners and banks to quickly close for fear of being caught in any crossfire typical of such outings.
