There was unease in the ancient town of Sokoto, the capital of Sokoto State as thousands of members of Shi’ite Islamic sect under the leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky today stormed its streets to celebrate the release of their leaders after a seven-year incarceration. A police source told SaharaReporters that there was a flash of violence near the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto as some youths engaged Shi’ite members in a fight. The source disclosed that one person died in the confrontation, while several persons were injured.
The source added that security operatives were able to step in and calm the situation before it degenerated into an all-out battle.

A correspondent of SaharaReporters noted that thousands of youths, women and men participated in the procession which featured a long convoy of cars. The Shiite members marched through the streets of Sokoto chanting defiant slogans. “They rained curses and abuses on Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko whom they blamed for violating their rights to worship and demolishing their place of worship,” a correspondent reported.
The leader of the Shi’ite movement, Mallam Kasimu Rinin Tawaye, was spotted in a black car protected on both sides by personal security aides. He is among more than one hundred members of the sect released by a court last week.
Yesterday, Sheikh el-Zazzaky had organized a dinner in honor of the released Shi’ites at his palace in Zaria popularly called Hussainiya Bakiyatullah. At the dinner, the sect’s spiritual leader in Nigeria announced that members of the group would descend on Sokoto in a peaceful demonstration, adding that he expected public cooperation.  

Most of the shops along Sokoto’s major streets were closed down to prevent mass looting of goods. Our correspondent reported that police officers were quickly deployed at most of the roundabouts in the town after some youths started setting car tires ablaze
Sahara Reporters