IMN denies claims of involvement in Kaduna violent protest

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shia, has rejected the claim by the Kaduna State Police spokesman that it was responsible for the violent protest that took place in the state on August 1, 2024.

This was stated in a release issued by the Youth Forum of the Islamic Movement and signed by Abduazeez Muhammad, which was made available to the Sunday Tribune on Saturday.

“As Nigerians were mobilized for nationwide protests scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, aimed at expressing their heartfelt grievances over severe socioeconomic hardship and insecurity across the country, including Kaduna State, our attention has been drawn to an interview with Mansur Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer of Kaduna State Command, granted to Arise TV. In this interview, he claimed that the protest in Kaduna was hijacked by what he described as IMN members.

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“It is an undeniable fact that the followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Ya’aqub Zakzaky (H) are peace-loving people in all our words and conduct. We have no reason to burn down the Kaduna State Government House, even amidst the peak of Buhari and El-Rufai’s alleged atrocities. Why now? Followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky have never protested due to socioeconomic conditions in Nigeria. In fact, we are not inclined towards protests but prefer processions or demonstrations to mark certain religious occasions.

The statement declared, ‘Even our enemies must testify that violence is not in our culture. Thus, as followers of Sheikh Zakzaky, even in the face of state terrorism attacks by security forces, we have sought justice in the courts rather than resorting to violence. The two-term tenure of Buhari and El-Rufai led to the killing of over a thousand innocent followers of the revered Sheikh. If violence were our tradition, we would not have pursued justice through legal channels.’

“This unsubstantiated claim by the police is designed to achieve a sinister plan by the enemies of peace. Therefore, we wish to categorically deny, reject, and distance ourselves from the accusation made by PRO Mansur Hassan. This decision is taken in the best interest of peace and justice.”