At least 11 people have died in clashes in northern Nigeria
as Shia Muslims mark an important religious event.
Ashura day gatherings, which commemorate the killing of the
grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, were banned in some places, including Katsina
state.
Witnesses told the BBC that nine people died in the state's
Funtua town when troops tried to block the march.
Police say unruly crowds also attacked other Shia
gatherings, including in Kaduna city where two people died.
A house belonging to a leader of pro-Iranian Islamic
Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Shia sect was also set alight in the city.
Kaduna state government outlawed the IMN last Friday, saying
it was a threat to the state.
Most of Nigeria's Muslims are Sunnis, and there are
underlying tensions between them and Shia Muslims.
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