Nigerian Shiite Muslims have accused Nigerian troops of killing 11 of their members and injuring 40 others in a clash between the group and soldiers in Zaria on Friday, July 25, 2014.
In a statement signed by the leader of Muslim Against Terror, Sir Doctor Amadi Jnr., the group said among those gunned down were Mahmud, three sons of the leader of the group, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, a nursing mother and child, along with two other women.
Three sons of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky killed in the clash.
Read the statement from Muslims Against Terror:
We the Muslims Against terror organisation issue a stern condemnation of the wanton acts of extreme police brutality and intimidation of Muslims in the country. The murder of innocent, peaceful Muslims in usual annual procession Yesterday in Kaduna has no logical explanation and no place in humanity and in Nigeria at a time like this. We fail to see any reason for the troops to have ‘lost patience’ as it was reported and suddenly opened fire on our brothers in peaceful procession. Killing many and arresting others to be intimidated and summarily executed. This provocative madness has no explanation or justification. We empathize with Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky at these trying times and pray Almighty Allah(s) has mercy on him and his family as they bury and mourn their children.
The Muslims Against Terror raised the alert to Nigeria three weeks ago in our Press Relsease and notice from Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Aba, Idris Bashir, when our members went to Aba and witnessed the arrest and harassment of all Imams in the state by members of the state security services. Two Imams were detained further for an entire two weeks and just released this week, without charge! We are increasingly appalled by the extremist nature of the Nigerian security department under the current administration. While maintaining and urging all Muslims to be patient in the face of increased persecution by members of the administration, we strongly rebuke those in charge for frustrating our efforts discouraging acts of extremism by intentionally provoking anger and tension in Nigerian communities. This is what Boko Haram wants. By so doing, the Nigerian government is pandering to the wishes of Boko Haram and pursuing a cause to lead to fragmentation, friction, terror and destabilization of Nigeria.
We urge a full and honest investigation into the attempted murder of two prominent regime critic, senior citizens in Kaduna this week. We are grateful to our Creator, the Almighty Allah(s) that General Muhammadu Buhari escaped as well as Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. We urge the federal government to ensure adequate protection for its friends as well as its perceived opponents and critics. Buhari is a friend of Nigeria and progress in the nation, as is Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. Criticism should be seen in constructive light and opposition is a part or progress, challenged and cultivated by divergent thought.
We urge patience and tolerance by all Nigerians in the face of increased hardship, persecution and security. Indeed Allah(s) promises that after every period of hardship, there is ease. A time of ease will follow this period of hardship Insha Allah.
