IMN Condemns Clash Between Shiite Members and Soldiers in Abuja, Denies Provocation

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has reacted to the deadly clash between its members and Nigerian soldiers in Abuja on Friday, March 28, insisting that there was no provocation to justify the violence. The confrontation, which occurred in the Banex area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulted in the deaths of at least six people, including a military officer.

In a statement released on Friday, Sheikh Sidi Munir Sokoto, speaking on behalf of the IMN, condemned the use of force against the group. He stated that members of the IMN, commonly known as Shiites, were peacefully marking International Quds Day when soldiers attacked them. International Quds Day, established by Imam Khomeini, is observed annually in solidarity with oppressed people, particularly Palestinians.

According to Sokoto, the IMN, under the leadership of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has been commemorating Quds Day in Nigeria for over 40 years without incident. He alleged that the Nigerian Army’s Guards Brigade opened fire on the peaceful procession, using live ammunition against unarmed participants.

“We wish to draw the attention of the general public that a team of the Nigerian Army (the Guards Brigade) attacked the procession using live ammunition. Many sustained life-threatening gunshot injuries, and some lost their lives as a result of the brutality,” Sokoto stated.

He emphasized that IMN members were marching peacefully from a mosque at Banex Plaza, where they had observed Juma’at prayers, toward Wuse Market when the security forces confronted them. “The army blocked the way with an armored vehicle and started shooting at the participants, mostly women and minors,” he claimed.

Sokoto described the incident as part of a recurring pattern in which security forces allegedly target IMN members and other civilians exercising their rights. He called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and ensure that the rights of all Nigerian citizens are protected.

The clash in Abuja is the latest in a series of violent confrontations between the IMN and Nigerian security forces. The movement has long accused the government of persecution, particularly following the 2015 military crackdown in Zaria, Kaduna State, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of IMN members and the arrest of their leader, El-Zakzaky.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and it remains unclear what led to the military’s intervention in the procession. However, human rights organizations and civil society groups are expected to weigh in on the matter as investigations unfold.