Normalcy has returned to the ancient city of Sokoto after Friday’s clash between the police and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
The Shi’ites came out for a procession at Danbuwa roundabout, but were dispersed by police officers.
Police said minimal force was used in their action, but the footage TVC News got showed a serious clash between the protesters and the officers, who fired teargas and what sounded like live bullets.
But the Shi’ites were not deterred by the tear gas as they threw stones as they moved towards the police.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sadiq Abubakar, debunked the report of an online newspaper that a life was lost, saying there was no life lost in the process. He also dismissed the use of live bullets on the Shi’ite members.
Abubakar said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that a group of people suspected to be members of the proscribed Shi’ite group came out along Old Airport road with the intent of carrying out a procession.
“Upon confirmation of their intention by security operatives, the gathering was immediately dispersed using minimal force, while the said suspected members got busy pelting stones on operatives and operational vehicles with intent to escalate the situation.
“However, the situation was seamlessly brought under control shortly after the situation came to fore by the Joint Operatives.
“The Sokoto State Police Command calls for calm as normalcy has since been restored. It urges members of the public to go about their lawful business without any fear as the command has put in place adequate security arrangements to forestall any recurrence of such.”
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