President Bola Tinubu and Amnesty International have urged security forces to identify those responsible and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, which has heightened concerns over rising mob violence, misinformation, and the erosion of law and order in the country.

The killings occurred during a procession, with conflicting accounts emerging about the events that led to the fatalities. According to the Nigeria Police in Abuja, members of the sect involved in the procession began throwing stones at police officers stationed to maintain peace. In response, the police reportedly opened fire in self-defence, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

However, the Movement for National Neutrality (MNN) has presented a different version of events. The group claims that their members were peacefully marching when they were allegedly attacked by the Nigeria Guards Brigade, the presidential defence forces. The MNN asserts that the unprovoked attack resulted in the tragic loss of lives.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with Tinubu describing the killings as a "devastating blow to the nation's unity and peace." Amnesty International has also called for an urgent and transparent investigation, emphasising the need to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent further acts of violence.

--ChannelAfric--