Tension has gripped the Wuse 2 area of Abuja as Nigerian Army personnel unleashed gunfire on members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) near Banex Plaza. The chaotic scene has left residents and commuters scrambling for safety amid sporadic shootings.
‘A RAIN OF BULLETS’ – EYEWITNESSES DESCRIBE THE HORROR
According to witnesses, the shootings erupted near Austoma Petrol Station on Aminu Kano Crescent, forcing people to flee in terror.
“It’s been a rain of sporadic shootings by the Nigerian Army around Banex Axis,” a distressed source reported.
Security forces cordoned off sections of the road, seemingly in an effort to track down protesters who may be hiding in the area.
“I had to abandon my car at the Ahmadu Bello/Aminu Kano Crescent traffic light because of the gunfire,” a terrified commuter recounted.
SHOOTINGS FOLLOW US EMBASSY SECURITY ALERT
This violent clash erupted just hours after the United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a security alert warning its citizens about planned IMN protests in Abuja and other major cities.
The advisory cautioned that these demonstrations could lead to roadblocks, traffic disruptions, and possible confrontations.
“The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has called for demonstrations in Abuja and other major cities on Friday, March 28, 2025. Heavy traffic and other disruptions are possible. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations,” the US Embassy stated.
POTENTIAL FLASHPOINTS IDENTIFIED
Authorities had already flagged several high-risk locations where tensions were expected to boil over. These included:
- Banex Plaza
- Berger Junction
- Unity Fountain
- National Human Rights Commission Head Office
- Eagle Square
- Area 10 Shopping Plaza
- National Mosque
- Al-Noor Mosque
- Fouad Lababidi Mosque
WHAT’S NEXT?
As the situation in Abuja remains volatile, questions loom over how far security forces will go to suppress the protests—and whether this confrontation will escalate into a full-blown crisis.
For now, the people of Wuse 2 are left to navigate a city on the edge, gripped by fear and uncertainty.
