On International Quds Day, a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Palestine turned deadly in Abuja when military forces opened fire on Shi’ite protesters. Thousands gathered from across Nigeria to mark the last Friday of Ramadan, but their peaceful procession soon became violent.
A senior member of the Muslim sect, speaking anonymously to Vanguard, recounted the events leading to the bloodshed. He explained that despite plans to hold their rally at the National Mosque, the gathering moved towards Wuse Market and later to Banex Plaza when security forces blocked their initial route.
The situation escalated after the protesters began marching following Jummah prayers. As they passed Banner Junction, military personnel armed with an armoured vehicle fired indiscriminately at the crowd, targeting unarmed civilians, including women and children. At least five protesters have been confirmed dead, with many others injured. Multiple detentions were also reported, and an eyewitness claimed to have seen a van carrying a body.
The Shi’ite leader suggested that the crackdown may have been due to a government directive, pointing to a memo from the National Security Adviser instructing security forces to act. While the authenticity of the memo is still under scrutiny, the violence has raised questions about the government’s response to peaceful protests.
One witness, Terlula Michael, an engineer at Banex Plaza, offered a different perspective, claiming that protesters had thrown stones at civilian vehicles. “How is that peaceful?” he asked.
The violence has sparked widespread outrage, with the Shi’ite community demanding answers from the government and military officials. While the Foreign Affairs Minister had recently voiced support for Palestinian freedom, protesters are now questioning why their own peaceful demonstrations were met with violence.
