At least 40 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) have been arrested following Tuesday’s clashes with the police, police said Wednesday.
On Tuesday, members from the Shiite Muslim community clashed with police around the National Assembly building in Abuja, Nigeria, as they protested against the detention of Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Both civilians and police officers were injured during the confrontation.
Two police officers were shot, police said on Tuesday. And according to AFP, police added that six other officers were hit by clubs and stones.
The incident occurred around 2pm and the National Assembly hurriedly suspended its plenary session due to the violence.
According to witnesses, protesters began gathering at Parliament and the group overpowered security men at the first gate. They were met with resistance at the second gate, where they injured some policemen and some protesters were injured.
Protesters also damaged windows in the complex and some police vehicles.
According to AFP, IMN spokesman Abdullahi Musa Mohammed said security forces fired teargas before shooting at the protesters with live ammunition.
Police said 40 IMN members were arrested and that they had ordered “24-hour police surveillance” across the capital.