THE religious procession of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as the Shi’ite Islamic sect, has been repeatedly accompanied by threats, violence, arson, and incarceration. Apart from creating a dark climate of fear and anxiety, the ensuing clashes between the sect and security forces instigate causalities and losses and give room for serious concern. While the police must maintain law and order, the Shi’ites movement should caution its members to conduct themselves with decorum and civility.
Nigerians witnessed another round of violence when the Shi’ites clashed with the police in the Wuse district of the Federal Capital Territory on August 25. The incident occurred when the IMN embarked on its religious procession called the Arbaéen Symbolic Trek. The optics were disturbing.
Conflicting statements ensued as the police blamed the Shi’ites for the chaos, burning of police vehicles, and killing two police officers….