A protest march by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky in Abuja has turned violent.

The march became rowdy when about ten thousand members of the sect, who were on their way to Unity Fountain, Abuja, reacted to an attempt by a detatchment of the police to stop them.

The members pushed their way through the barricade with police firing teargas canister and live ammunitions while the protesters responded with stones.

As a result motorists and other road users are scampering for safety.