The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has accused the police of killing 15 members of the group across the country while observing the Ashura procession.
The group alleged that its members were killed during the procession in Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Sokoto and Katsina states.
This was contained in a statement issued by the President of the IMN Media Forum, Ibrahim Musa.
Musa explained that three members of the group were allegedly killed in Kaduna and 10 injured, while three others were killed in Azare, Bauchi State.
He said, “At least, three people were confirmed killed by the police in Kaduna and 10 others injured, some fatally, when thousands of Muslim brothers and sisters trooped out in the early hours of Tuesday commemorating the tragic events of Ashura.
“In Bauchi, three persons were killed during the Ashura procession when the police attacked the mourners. Likewise, three others were killed by the police in Azare, also in Bauchi State. Another three persons were killed by the police in Gombe, Gombe State.
“One person was reportedly killed in Illela, while another individual was killed in Goronyo, both in Sokoto State. An IMN member was also murdered in Malumfashi, Katsina State”
The President of the IMN Media Forum noted that several people sustained bullet wounds when the police allegedly shot the mourners.
He added that the figures could rise due to the fatal gunshot wounds sustained by some mourners.
It stated that the procession was peaceful in Abuja, Jos, Kebbi, Minna, Lafia, Yola, Gusau, Zaria, Kano, Jalingo, Damaturu, Hadejia and Potiskum.
“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,” Musa said.