Shi’ites demand release of members arrested during Ashura procession in Abuja

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, has called for the release of their members who were arrested by security agents during this year’s Ashura procession in Abuja.

The religious group also lamented that the joint task force of the military and police attacked their procession, leaving two of their members with fractured legs and a head bullet injury.

This is contained in a statement issued by Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara on behalf of the Islamic movement under the leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky.

The statement said, “On Friday, July 28, 2023, a joint task force of the military and police attacked the Ashura procession in Abuja.

Two people sustained fractures in their legs as a result of the gunshot, one person was also shot in his head, while others suffered from teargas, and many mourners and passersby were arrested.

“Ashura mourning and procession are being conducted globally to mark the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Ashura is a day of commemoration in Islam and is being commemorated to mourn the killing of Imam Hussain (AS), who was beheaded at Karbala (in present-day Iraq) in 61 AH, equivalent to 680 CE.

“Imam Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Ṭalib is a grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) and a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Sayyida Fatima bintu Muhammad (SAWA), as well as a younger brother of Imam Hassan ibn Ali.

“The events of the 10th of Muharram in the year 61 AH, when Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah brutally murdered Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala, Iraq, along with his family and friends, are the most tragic episode not only in the history of Islam but in all of the human tragedy.

“The 1445/2023 Ashura mourning has been conducted in many world cities, including London, Paris, Washington, DC, etc. In Nigeria, the Ashura procession was conducted yesterday in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Maiduguri, Potiskum, etc., and it all ended peacefully.”

The statement further explained that the procession started at Aminu Kano Crescent by Banex Plaza in Abuja and ended at Kashim Ibrahim Way by Wuse Market.

It said the Ashura mourners conducted the procession chanting slogans, mentioning Imam Hussain (AS) and the tragedy of Karbala, while at the same time distributing a press release, which explains why they were on the street.

“At the point of closing, security agents, including the guard’s brigade and police, arrived at the scene and opened fire with live ammunition against the Ashura mourners. The police also shot tear gas canisters, which made the whole place smoky and unbearable to mourners and passersby.

“Up to this moment, Police are still detaining many Ashura mourners in unknown detention centres in Abuja. It is pertinent to state that Ashura is a world-renowned religious practice, and the regime has no right or power to stop us from practising our religion.

“In view of the foregoing, we are demanding the unconditional release of all those arrested. Moreover, we hold not only the Inspector-General of Police but also the Tinubu and Shettima regimes responsible for this attack,” the statement added.

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