The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has said 12 of its members were killed on Tuesday during its nationwide procession to mark Ashura Day.
IMN spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, in a statement on Tuesday, said the killings took place in Kaduna, Bauchi, Sokoto and Katsina States.
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Musa, however, said similar processions in Abuja, Jos, Kebbi, Minna, Lafia, Yola, Gusau, Zaria, Kano, Jalingo, Damaturu, Hadejia and Potiskum, ended peacefully.
The statement said: “Today’s show of shame and rage by the police across the states was sequel to the tragic orders given to it by the Inspector general of police, Mohammed Adamu to brutally attack the peaceful Ashura mourners.
“That the mourning procession ended peacefully in places not attacked by the police is sufficient evidence as to who the instigators of violence are whenever we are carrying out our legitimate religious duties.”
The Ashura Day is marked as the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
It is observed annually by Shiite Muslims worldwide to commemorate the death of Husayn ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq.
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Police had warned that only non-members of IMN would be allowed to conduct peaceful procession to mark Ashura Day following the proscription of IMN by a federal court.
Police, however, are yet to make a statement on the killings.
