The police on Tuesday in Kaduna fired live bullets at members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) during a peaceful protest march demanding the release of their illegally detained leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

Ibrahim Musa, spokesperson of the IMN, made the allegation in a press release issued on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Members of IMN in Kaduna had joined hundreds of thousands others across most of the towns in northern Nigeria in staging peaceful protests demanding for the immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky, who is still being held in spite of a court judgement that ordered for his release.

Mr. Musa said the procession started peacefully along Nnamdi Azikwe western bypass express way, “however on reaching Bakinruwa junction, a detachment of well-armed police opened fire on the protesters, severely wounding a Muslim Sister in the leg.

“Eye witnesses confirmed that the police invited some thugs to join them in the attack on IMN members, as has been their practice lately.

“However, the peaceful protest was successfully brought to an end before the situation could get out of control.”

He said IMN leaders have expressed shock and surprise at the use of force by the police in Kaduna on peaceful citizens exercising their civil right to protest, unlike in other towns and state capitals such as Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Minna and other places where such peaceful free Zakzaky protests were held and ended peacefully.

Police spokesperson Aliyu Usman did not respond to calls and text message sent to his number.

Update news