Deadly and violent confrontations occurred between security operatives and members of the IMN group, otherwise known as Shiites in about five northern states. In each of the states, the crises took a different turn. In Funtua, Katsina state, deadly confrontation between security operatives and Shiites led to the death of no fewer than nine persons, as the group prepared for their yearly memorial Ashura procession. In Kaduna, Kano and Jos, attacks on the Shiites were undertaken by irate mob/youths following proscription of the groups and their activities weeks earlier. The attacks also spread to Sokoto and Jigawa states where a Shiite member was killed on his way to the procession by irate youths.
Actions Taken
About 9 killed and scores injured in the crises that occurred between the Shiites, Security Operatives and Irate mobs/youth.
Details
State/Country
Katsina State
Perpetrator
The confrontation that occurred between the security operatives and the Shiites featured the Police as a central actor, as the Police Force had a day before the Ashura event banning all forms of rallies, processions, gatherings and assemblies under any guise across the state with a warning that any person caught violating this order would be arrested and prosecuted.
Legal Foundation
Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria gives people freedom of the right to expression and the right to hold and impart information, right to personal liberty in section 35(1) of the Constitution. Section 40 of the 1999 constitution guarantee right to freedom of assembly, section 33 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life which can only be deprived pursuant to a sentence by a Court of competent jurisdiction.