At least seven members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), were killed while dozens were injured during a procession to mark this year’s Ashura Day in Zaria, Kaduna State.
A statement released on Facebook by the Elza ( Leader of the IMN in Nigeria) office read:
“ Monday, Monday, 10th of Muharram 1444 AH marks the day of Ashura which is observed annually here in Nigeria and around the world to commemorate the tragic Martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), his household, and his companions, usually in the form of processions and other gatherings. Muharram mourning gatherings and processions have been observed peacefully in over 480 cities and localities across Nigeria. Unfortunately, security forces have attacked and killed at least seven (7) followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), and injured over forty (40) others during the precession in Zaria.”
The leader of the Movement in Zaria, Mallam Abdulhamid Bello further confirmed the incident. He said that a combined team of security agents attacked IMN members when they were rounding up the procession around Zaria City Market and started shooting sporadically, killing many of their members and injuring others.
When contacted, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mohammed Jalinge, said he was aware of the incident but yet to be fully briefed on what transpired.
He gave the names of some of those killed as Jafar Magaji Jushi, Kazeem Lawal Magume, Ali Lawal Samaru, Muhsin Badamasi Yakub Zakzaky, Umar Inuwa Anguwar Fatika
He said that the injured were rushed to St Luke’s Hospital in Wusasa while those in critical condition were taken to ABU Teaching Hospital Shika, Zaria.
The Kaduna state police spokesman could not confirm the incident
