Group Says Troops Shot, Killed 27 Shiite Muslims in Abuja

Shiite Muslim movement says Nigerian troops shot and killed at least 27 of its members during a procession in Abuja.

Islamic Movement of Nigeria spokesman Ibrahim Musa said six people were killed on Saturday and another 21 on Monday.

Nigeria’s military said it killed six people and that the Shiite protesters fired first at law enforcement agencies.

Musa said Tuesday that many members were taking part in a religious procession, which coincided with a protest calling for the release of their movement’s pro-Iran leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky.

Nigerian Muslims are predominantly Sunnis. The Shiite Muslim minorities say they are suffer religious persecution.