The dead include a policeman and a journalist hit by a stray bullet.

The protestors from the Islamic Movement of Nigeria were calling for the release of their leader Ibrahim Zakzaky who has been held since 2015.

They say the medical conditions of Zakzaky and his wife, who is also in detention, are deteriorating.

Their spokesman Abubaker Abdulrahman says the violence began after the police hurled smoke and teargas canisters at them. This was followed by a volley of live rounds.

They say they have yet to ascertain the number of dead. 

Police say they were provoked by demonstrators torching a security building.

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