By Akinwale Kasali
Blood, tears, loss, destruction and anguish was the lot of innocent citizens who were caught in the middle of the clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Shiites, and the men of the Nigeria army in Potiskum, Yobe State, earlier today.
The magazine was informed that the fracas began shortly after the IMN members rounded off their Ashura procession with prayers around 8:30am near Central Hotel, Potiskum.
The Yobe State Police Commissioner, Abdulmaliki Sunmonu, who confirmed the incident to journalists said that three persons were injured during the clash.
He said that the JTF responded after the IMN members attempted to seize one of the security operatives’ rifle.
He said he was awaiting more details about the incident.
He said: “I will update you as soon as I get full details on the clash.”
A member of the IMN group, El-Tafseer, who spoke to journalists, said the police boss did not give the true reflection of what happened, he explained that they were attacked by the soldiers minutes after the Ashura procession had closed.
He said, “We just sighted the soldiers armed with guns and sticks approaching us. They started beating and harassing us to disperse.
“We began to run when they fired gunshots indiscriminately. Three people were injured and a teenager, not our member, was hit by a stray bullet in the head.
“He died in the hospital.
“They also arrested Malam Gambo Abbas and detained him.”
Our correspondent was told that the indiscriminate gunshots threw the town into confusion with residents and passers-by scampering to safety.
