Shia community bury their fellows killed by Nigerian army

Members of the Shia community buried 42 of their fellow members that have been killed by the Nigerian army during peaceful protests in the capital Abuja over the few days.

Members of the Shia community buried 42 of their fellow members that have been killed by the Nigerian army during peaceful protests in the capital Abuja over the few days.

Nigerian army opened fire on members of the Shia community who had marched to demand the release of their imprisoned leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, jailed since 2015.

The Shia community have frequently been met with force. In April, police fired bullets and tear gas during days of protests by Shias, wounding at least four protesters.

Rights groups have accused Nigeria’s military of killing more than 300 Shias and burying them in mass graves during the 2015 conflicts, a charge the military strongly denies.