Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Shi’ite followers in Niger State, over the weekend protested the detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and other members of the group, demanding their immediate release.
Mallam Ibrahim Khalid Mohammed, their amirul who led the protesters to the Central Mosque, Minna, said the sect members sought the immediate release of their leader, whom they described as a promoter of peace and peaceful coexistence in the country.
Mallam Mohammed was emphatic that for over 37 years of the existence of the group in Nigeria, it has never been found wanting and, therefore, questioned the rationale for killing innocent persons.
According to him, the demolition of the residences of their leader and followers in Zaria was unconstitutional, undemocratic and in violation of their human rights that had been condemned by even the international community.
He added, “Our leader is a patient and peace-loving person who remained calm even when two of his sons were killed some time ago. God will not let go of any injustice meted out to our leader and supporters; release our leader for us now!”
Mohammed noted that the happenings in Zaria, Kaduna State were against democracy that promotes freedom of association and is against killing of innocent souls.
Also speaking in corroboration, Mallam Usman Mohammed, a member of the group, called on security agencies to make public the number of persons arrested and killed during the soldiers’ clash with the group.
-Leadership
