The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, has reacted to the killing of some Shiites members by policemen in Kanoon Monday.

Speaking with journalists after the launch of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem and Appeal Fund, the IGP said his men were confronted by protesters who were armed to the teeth.

He said rather than condemning police action, Nigerians should sympathise with the policemen who were killed by those he described as miscreants.

He said the Nigerian police officers who had responsibility to ensure law and order decided to move against the group known to always cause crisis.

He said it was unlawful for the sect members to block a major road adding that policemen have the responsibility to ensure that no organisation or individuals constitute themselves into a government and block roads and buildings.

On the claim that the protesters have freedom of worship, the police boss said they could only worship inside mosques or churches and not on the main road.

At least eight people have been confirmed dead and many others injured following a clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites, and the Police in Kano city.

Eyewitness accounts say trouble broke out around Tamburawa, on the outskirts of Kano city, after the Police tried to stop the Shiite members who had embarked on the annual Arbaeen trek from Kano to Zaria.

But according to the Kano State Police Command, security operatives including anti-robbery squad units only intervened as the Shiite members began attacking motorists and passersby.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Rabiu Yusuf told journalists that one Police officer was also killed and four others injured in the incident

The incident is coming about a month after a mob confronted the members of the group while they were holding a rally also in Kano, leaving many of them with machete wounds.(Channels TV)

•Photo shows IGP Ibrahim.