Tension As Security Forces Surronds Shiite Group in Kaduna

Yesterday, soldiers of Nigerian Army and the Men of Nigerian Police Force surrounded the gathering of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), better known as the Shiite or Shi’a sect. This  was  coming days after Kaduna State Government, had Banned the group.

According to a statement yesterday by UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC),The Shiite members had gathered to commemorate the Islamic month of Muharram that is particularly significant in the sect’s calendar,

The statement reads in part “Shortly before the Kaduna Markaz mosque on Zango Road in the state capital was encircled by armoured military vehicles carrying heavily armed soldiers and also an ambulance were among a convoy of 18 military vehicles seen nearby,” the group said.

The group further called on the federal government to withdraw the soldiers and allow the worshippers to continue to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of assembly and worship, reported online news medium Premium Times.

According to thisday, An eyewitness said said that, the standoff was at the residence of a senior Shi’a leader, Muhtar Sahabi, and not a mosque, with worshippers trapped inside.

The eyewitness said “It appears they want to make arrests following the recent ban,”.

In its statement, the IHRC further stated that they are afraid that the new law may be a tool by the government to defranchise the sect group from enjoying their freedom of worship as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.

“As was feared, the new law appears being used as an attempt to prevent the movement’s supporters from attending ceremonies commemorating the month of Muharram,” IHRC said.

Recall that last December, the sect clashed with the soldiers of Nigerian Army in Kaduna which led to the death of over 347 members of the group, and the arrest of its leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky who remains in government custody.

The Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State Government to investigate the incident indicted the Nigerian Army, but till date, no soldier or officer of the Nigerian Army, has been sanctioned, despite the indictmentment.