Shi’ites’ protest over killings grounds Kano

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, yesterday morning protested on the streets of Kano to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed and mourn the killings of of their colleagues in Zaria two weeks ago by soldiers.

Although Muslims globally are celebrating the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday through Eid-el Maulud, the Shi’ites used the occasion to campaign for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and hundreds of their detained members.

Scores were reportedly killed by troops fol- lowing the blockage of the road which obstructed the convoy of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

The protesting Shi’ites, led by Sanusi Abdulkadir, said they were mourning the “genocidal carnage” by the Army.

There was a massive turnout of members, including children and women, many of whom dressed in black. They first gathered at Kabara and passed through Soron Dinki, Makwarari Jakara, Kwanar Dala, da Gwammaja and Kofar Mazuma in Kano metropolis.

Abdulhamid Bello, on behalf of IMN, issued a statement titled: “Mourning while celebrating Maulud Nabiy.”

“We are out to mourn the killings, maimings and wanton destruction of thousands of lives and properties at Baqiyyatullah Husainiyya, Darur Rahma and residence of our leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H),” the statement said.

“We want the whole world to know what the hand of tyranny has meted on the followers of Messenger of mercy (SAW) on the eve month of Maulud Nabiy. They maimed, detained and massacred the sons and daughters of Islam under baseless pretences using oppressive and suppressive force ever known in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Army yesterday warned the Shiites to desist from making “misleading comments”, capable of breaching peace and order.

In a statement, Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, accused the group of peddling false- hood against the military. He told the public to disregard “misinformation” and await the outcome of investigations by the government and some agencies.

“The Army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinformation on the incident of December 12, 2015 in Zaria,” the statement read.

“A group of high ranking members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), led by one Dr Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, misrepresented facts about the incident.

“He was at the university on Wednesday soliciting for support and telling lies about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the incident itself.

“He also went further to make false and unfounded allegations of casualty figures and desecration of burial grounds.

“Dr Abdullahi Danladi and like-minded individuals should be warned to desist from telling lies and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading the general public,” he said.

The statement said Danladi’s actions were preposterous and showed lack of concern and respect for peace and tranquility, noting the Army would not “sit back and allow some mischievous elements” in the society to further create unnecessary tension and disaffection in the society.

“This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse their privileged position to mislead the public, create disaffection,” the statement read.

“Nigerians and indeed all well-meaning people are please enjoined to be patient and await the outcome of the various enquiries instituted by various government and non-governmental agencies,” he said.

Daily Sun