Katsina State Police Command said on Wednesday that, at least, three persons died during a clash between policemen and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, in Funtua Local Government Area of the state.
Police Commissioner, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, stated this during a news briefing on Wednesday in Funtua.
Abdullahi said that two policemen were also injured during the clash.
According to him, the police have arrested 46 persons comprising men and women for participating in the unlawful procession.
He said the incident occurred when members of the Shi’ites group attempted to burn the Police Area Commander’s office in the town during the procession.
The commissioner also said that members of the group opened fire on policemen using dane guns, which he said, compelled the police to retaliate, killing three persons.
According to him, one of the sect members killed wore a mobile police uniform.
The commissioner said that the police recovered five dane guns, sticks, cutlasses, among other locally made weapons from members of the group.
He said that the police had intensified surveillance and patrol in the area to ensure safety of lives and property.
Abdullahi called on the people of the area to go about their lawful businesses as the situation had been brought under control.
Commercial and other activities were brought to a halt in the town, particularly on the roads leading to the Funtua Central Mosque, during the incident.
