US-IRAN CONFLICT: Panic in Kaduna as Shiites stage protest, cripple commercial activities

IDIBIA GABRIEL, KADUNA

Several members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), the Shiites Friday staged a heavy protest in Kaduna in support of late Iranian President Sayyid Ali Khamenei, raising anxiety across the state.

Vehiclular movement, and commercial activities were seriously affected around Kaduna Central Market areas where the protest took part between 2pm and 3pm, mosques time.

The usual Kano Road/Ahmadu Bello Way Friday street prayers were also squeezed, and scared away many when the protesters stormed the area around 2:30pm dressed in black and black attires, as many shops were shut.

Protesters mainly women and children, occupied entire lane of Ahmed Bello Way, shouting and chanting songs, with different banners bearing Islamic inscriptions, portraits and pictures of late Iran President Ali Khamenei, the son, and Nigeria Shiites leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-zzazaky.

The protesters were however accompanied by heavily armed security personnel including the military, police and security operatives to ensure a hitch free protest.

Our reporter gathered however that the Islamic group eventually made its way to Ahmadu Bello Way through Katsina road roundabout, and moved towards Central Market, causing severe gridlock as vehicular movement was completely obstructed.

The protesters later crossed Ahmadu Bello Way and headed towards Ibrahim Taiwan Road, and turned to Lagos Street where they finally joined Kano Road and proceeded towards Tudun Wada axis, towards its office.

Our correspondent who monitored the Shiites members also reported that, the protesters had a stopover at Kano Road by Buwari street junction where they chanted songs and displayed their flags, causing anxiety before they finally moved upward on Kano Road in their numbers.

No statement was issued by both authorities and the group at the time of filing this report.