Witness: Deaths as forces clash with Shiites in Nigeria

As many as 10 people were killed on Wednesday when security forces clashed with Shiite Muslims attending a religious ceremony in northern Nigeria, one witness said.

Officials said they could not confirm any deaths.

The violence occurred in Funtua, Katsina state, as hundreds of Shiites defied a ban by local authorities to gather for Ashoura, a holiday marking the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.