Nigerian police confirm 9 killed in clash with Islamic sect

The Nigerian police have confirmed nine deaths were recorded following a clash between policemen and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi'ites sect, in the northwestern state of Kano on Monday.

Kano State police commissioner Rabiu Yusuf told Xinhua on Tuesday that eight members of the Shi'ites sect and a policeman died during the bloody clash.

Yusuf said during the melee many members of the sect were injured, as well as four policemen.

The clash occurred as members of the sect prepared for their yearly procession along Kano-Zaria road in which they gathered at the residence of their spiritual leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been incarcerated since last year.

The clash was triggered as the police made efforts to ensure orderliness on the busy road, Yusuf said.

According to him, the sect members snatched a police rifle and unleashed terror on the security men.

Ibrahim Musa, a spokesman of the sect, said women and children were among those killed during the clash.

The sect alleged that policemen blocked the road and fired tear gas canisters to disperse the trekkers.

The Nigerian police said an investigation has been launched on the allegation. Endit