Killing of Shiites may boomerang on Nigeria- CDD


The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has condemned the attack by Nigeria’s security operatives on members of the Shiite Islamic sect saying it portends serious danger for the country.

The attacks are directed at members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, (IMN), Nigeria’s foremost Shi’ite group.

The IMN released a statement on the evening of Wednesday, October 13, 2016, claimed that at least 13 of its members were killed in multiple clashes with the police and some hoodlums in Funtua, Sokoto and Kaduna.

In a statement signed by Idayat Hassan, its director, the CDD said many of the Shiite members were reported to have been attacked and killed Tuesday, October 12.

“Four members of the Shi’a sect were killed Wednesday morning in the Tudun Wada area of the Kaduna South local government area when some irate youth attacked them.

“They also burnt the residence of the group’s leader in Kaduna and also demolished the Shi’ite’s Islamic school in the area. The police in Sokoto have reported that hoodlums killed a Shi’ite member in Tudun Wada in Sokoto North local government area en route to a procession they were organizing.

“There was also a violent confrontation at Tamaje area of Sokoto South local government between a mob and sect members.

“In Katsina state, the police said at least three persons died during a clash between its men and members of the IMN in Funtua, Funtua Local Government Area of the state.

“The commissioner of police in the state, Usman Abdullahi, said two policemen were injured during the clash,” the CDD said adding that the police arrested 46 persons comprising men and women for participating in the banned procession.

The group quoted the commissioner as saying the incident occurred when members of the Shi’ites group attempted to burn the police area commander’s office in the town during the procession.

The CDD added: “The alleged reason for the attacks where that they were commemorating a religious rite called ‘Ashura’, which involves processional marches.

“Over the years, these processions have been done peacefully in many parts of the country. This year, however, there were concerted attempts by both security agencies and other Islamic groups to stop them.

“The Order, which came into operation on 7th October, 2016 declares that: “the society that bears the name, style, guise or nomenclature of the ‘Islamic Movement in Nigeria’, is hereby declared an Unlawful Society in Kaduna state.”

“This act of the Kaduna state government has been a trigger that unleashed these attacks on members of the Shi’a community all over the country. It is estimated that there are about three million members of this religious community all over the country and it is very irresponsible for a state government to proscribe their operations.

“One of the most dangerous acts is for members of a religious community to believe that their religious freedom to exercise their faith according to their belief.

“It is important to note that the leader of the movement. Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky has been in detention with his wife since December last year with no charges filed against them. His followers have been demanding for his release and the DSS has responded that they are holding him for his safety.

Members of the IMN have however claimed that the Nigerian government is trying to kill their leader. The problem is that his followers believe they are trying to kill him. So far, the army has killed six out his seven sons and now his organisation has been proscribed in Kaduna state while their members are being attacked all over the country.

“It appears that there is an attempt to push the Shiites in Nigeria to popular revolt. We have enough insurgencies and violent conflicts in Nigeria and the Centre for Democracy appeals to authorities and the civil populace to beware of pushing out country to more violent conflicts.”

Photos :

CDD director Idayat Hassan

One of the Shiite members allegedly brutalised by security agencies

A Shiite member who was reportedly killed in the attack being pulled from a dump site

A victim of the alleged attack

A female victim of the attack

A Shiite member nursing an eye injury

These two members were said to have been taken away after their mother was allegedly arrested by security operatives

Protesting Shiites

Source : https://www.naij.com/1007893-clash-see-photos-of-critically-injured-shiites-as-condemnations-continue.html