by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Security operatives in Kaduna, on early morning Thursday, allegedly thwarted planned protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites.
Our correspondent reported that security sources said the protest was scheduled to express “happiness” over the death of two prominent northerners and the continued detention of a third person, all considered ‘enemies’ of the Movement.
The two deceased figures listed were former President Muhammadu Buhari and late General Abubakar Rabe. The third person was former Kaduna Governor Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, who remains in security custody.
By early hours, operatives had taken over strategic locations, including the Central Market and Ahmadu Bello Way by Leventis Motors, according to the sources. “Patrol vehicles were stationed in anticipation of the demonstrators, but no protesters showed up,” the source said.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, confirmed that police and other security agencies occupied the locations from morning time, based on prior notice of the planned Shiite action.
Security sources said the protest was meant to hold simultaneously in Abuja and Kaduna, but operatives in both cities foiled the plan.
Residents, who got wind of the planned protest, sensitized neighbours to stay wary, warning that it could turn violent, an alert that kept many traders and shoppers away from the Central Market for most of Thursday.
No arrests or clashes were reported as of press time, even as security agencies were yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
However, when contacted on phone, the State Police spokesman, Mansir Hassan, neither picked his call nor answered text messages sent to him.