Normalcy has returned to Wuse 2, Abuja, following the violent clash that broke out on Friday, March 28, 2025, between security forces and members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites.

The confrontation, which started as a peaceful procession, quickly escalated into chaos, leaving several people injured, vehicles destroyed, and businesses forced to shut down.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when IMN members gathered for their annual Arba’een trek, a religious procession to mark the 40th day after Ashura.

The group was moving through Wuse 2 when security operatives attempted to disperse them, citing public safety concerns.

What started as an argument soon turned violent, with security forces using tear gas and, according to some reports, live ammunition to break up the procession.

Protesters responded by hurling stones and setting fire to a police patrol vehicle.

A trader in the area, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, described the moment the violence erupted: “One minute, everything was calm, and the next, we heard gunshots and people screaming. I had to close my shop and run for cover.”

Another resident, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, said, “We were just going about our normal business when we saw people running. It was like a war zone. Everyone was trying to escape.”

As the dust settled, security forces maintained a heavy presence in the area, making several arrests and clearing roadblocks set up during the confrontation.

By the next morning, Wuse 2 had begun returning to normal, with businesses reopening and traffic flowing smoothly.

However, many traders expressed concerns over the economic impact of the disruption. “We lost a whole day of sales. Some of my goods got damaged because I had to leave in a hurry,” lamented Mr. Adewale, a shop owner.

In response to the incident, the FCT Police Command assured residents that measures were being put in place to prevent a recurrence.

“We urge all groups to follow due process when organizing public gatherings. Any disruption of public peace will not be tolerated,” said police spokesperson DSP Mariam Yusuf. As residents of Wuse 2 resume their daily activities, many hope that lessons have been learned from the incident and that such unrest will not be repeated.