Three dead as Shiites clash with Nigerian security forces

At least three people were killed when supporters of an imprisoned Shiite cleric clashed with security forces during a protest march in Abuja, the Nigerian Army said.

The military said troops and police "repelled the attack" by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), who also "fired weapons", threw stones and Molotov cocktails.

"Unfortunately during the encounter three members of the sect were killed while four soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries," the army said in a statement on Monday night.

The deaths bring to six the number of IMN supporters who have been killed in demonstrations since Saturday and heighten concerns about further crackdowns on the group.

On Saturday, three IMN members were also killed during protests in Abuja. The army claimed the protesters attacked a military convoy and tried to steal weapons and ammunition.

Monday's clashes happened at a checkpoint as security services stopped the protesters coming into the city.

Source: AFP