At least one person was shot dead, nine were wounded and 14 others arrested by security forces during pro-Palestine processions in Kaduna on Friday.
The incidents happened when Muslims embarked on the annual procession to mark the annual Quds day; conducted across the world every last Friday of Ramadan in solidarity with the Palestinians whose lands have been occupied by the Zionist regime of Israel.
The peaceful processions were conducted in more than 40 cites and towns across Nigeria but only those of Kaduna and Zaria were attacked by security forces.
Video footages revealed security agents firing teargas and live ammunitions at the protesters in Zaria and Kaduna, which killed one and wounded many as well as causing pandemonium in the two cites.
Leader of the pro-Palestinian procession in Kaduna, Malam Aliyu Umar told journalists that the annual Quds day is a global event and commemorated even in western countries and wondered why they are frequently haunted by security agents when marking the day in Kaduna.
He explained that the procession was peaceful and had tried to avoid the police who were already stationed in strategic position to block it.
Mr Umar said, “But they trailed from behind and used teargas and live bullets on the peaceful protesters. One person was shot dead, we have just held the Janazah prayers and nine sustained bullet wounds.”
He also said the police had arrested about eight members of the group and denied allegations that a police station had been burnt and that the protesters had set ablaze vehicles.
There was no immediate comments from the Kaduna Police Command over the incident.
But a senior police officer told journalists that the Quds day event was unlawful procession and it caused disturbances of public and disobedience to lawful order.
He said, “We arrested 14 members of the proscribed group and the Commissioner of Police, YekiniAdio Ayoku has directed that the suspects be investigated and charged to court.”
