At least eight people have been killed in clashes between security forces and Shia Muslims in northern Funtua town, an eyewitness has told the BBC Hausa service.
The casualties occurred after the army and police intervened to block an annual Shia procession on the day of Ashura, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein – a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Shots were were heard all over the area, the witness said.
He added that he counted eight bodies, and many more are feared wounded.
Katsina state, like some other northern states in Nigeria, has banned today’s Shia procession.
