The members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiites, came out in their hundreds to celebrate the Ashura Islamic Day in Kaduna.

The IMN procession took place along Nnamdi Azikiwe Way with displays of religious flags and placards, while conducting their affairs peacefully.

It would be recalled that the police in the state had earlier banned all forms of unlawful gatherings by the proscribed IMN members on the planned Ashura procession, believing it could lead to a breach of law and order.

Speaking with The Guardian on Wednesday, one of the leaders of the Shiites and former spokesman of IMN, Ibrahim Musa, said, “The procession which took place in Kaduna on Tuesday was very peaceful with no incidents. The police did not disturb our procession, and we thank Allah for that.”

He added,”Members came out in masses to commemorate Ashura, marking the day Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussain was killed. The procession took place along Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, popularly known as Kaduna Western Bypass.”

Another leader of the Islamic group in Kaduna, Yunusa Lawal, who spoke to journalists immediately after the procession, said, “Our movement is always peaceful in our conduct.”

Lawal explained that “participating in the procession is our members’ civic right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, and coming out is part of their religious obligation in which they believe.”

Meanwhile, security operatives were seen in strategic positions in Kaduna to maintain law and order.