One passerby was killed when the police allegedly fired gunshots and tear gas canisters to disperse a protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites around Berger area of Wuse in Abuja on Tuesday.
The confrontation occurred during the procession of members of the IMN at Burger roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The procession, which started from Utako through to Berger, ended due to the pandemonium.
An eyewitness reporters that commuters and other members of the public took to their heels when the incident occurred.
The body was said to have been moved away by the police to an unknown destination.
Shi’ites have been demanding unconditional release of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat detained by government in a correctional facility in Kaduna State.
Another eyewitness, Musa Aliu who spoke with newsmen said : “We were standing to enter a vehicle going to Kubwa when suddenly the police started chasing the IMN members.
“In the process, one passerby was hit by bullet and died instantly. All of us around the area ran for our lives. I had to move away from the area, waited a while we’re I went to hide before coming back to find a vehicle to my Kubwa. I wonder why police will be using life bullet to dispatch protesters”.
The policemen on ground declined comment on the incident.