Shi’ites in Kano mourn army’s ‘genocide’

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, on Thursday morning took to the streets of Kano to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed and mourn the killing of hundreds of their members in Zaria by the Nigerian army.

Although Muslims globally are celebrating the Prophet of Islam’s birth, Maulud Nabiy, the Shi’ites used the occasion to campaign for the release of their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and hundreds of their members in detention.

Over 300 were reportedly killed by troops following the blockage of the road which obstructed the convoy of Tukur Buratai, army chief.

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

There was a massive turnout of the IMN members, including children and women many of whom dressed in black.

The Shi’ites 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 press 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.

“All people with humane conscience need to know that the Nigeria Army under president refused to give us the corpses of our massacred brothers and sisters, but rather bury them in mass graves and burning some of the corpses to hide their ugly handiwork.”