Witness: Nigerian police open fire, shoot tear gas at Shia Muslim protesters in Abuja

ABRAHAM ACHIRGA/REUTERS
Members of security forces are pictured as smoke is seen in the background during a protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 30, 2018.

Nigerian police opened fire and shot tear gas at Shia Muslim protesters in the capital of Abuja on Tuesday, according to a Reuters witness, the second straight day of violence involving the group.

Soldiers on Monday opened fire on a march in Abuja by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) which is trying to secure the release of its leader Ibrahim Zakzaky.

IMN protesters said the army killed at least 18 of their number in Monday’s shootings though the military said only three people died and four soldiers were injured. Iran condemned the deadly attack.

Police on Tuesday attempted to stop hundreds of IMN members as they headed toward the center of Abuja, where most government buildings and the presidency are located.

When marchers refused to turn back, police fired tear gas on the crowd. The protesters responded by hurling rocks, and the police opened fire, according to the Reuters witness.

At least one IMN member was wounded by the gunfire, the witness added.