Former PDP Director on New Media, Deji Adeyanju in a statement condemned what he called ‘attacks on peaceful Shi’ites’
Recall that the shi’ites who are members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) have been constantly protesting what they believe is the unlawful incarceration of their leader El-Zakzaky.
Things came to a head on Monday 8th of January 2018 as the Shi’ites and the police clashed in Kaduna which led to two members of the IMN unaccounted for and feared dead.
Adeyanju is of the belief that the Shia movement is under attack by the Nigerian Government and that this is a practice that has to stop.
He said, “Our attention has been drawn to an attack on peaceful Shi’ite protesters today at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja by officers of the Nigerian Police.
“The Shi’ite protesters have always carried out their activities peacefully even after series of provocation by the Nigerian State and did not behave differently today but were severely teargassed while some of their members were bullied with dogs.
“This ongoing mob attacks against adherents of the Shia religious faith is the latest in a string of abuses in which The Federal Government forces have also been complicit.”
He added, “Concerned Nigerians condemn the attack on the peaceful Shi’ite protesters who were once again calling for the release of their leader Sheikh El Zakzaky, a Nigerian and his wife detained by the Nigerian Government since December 2016.
“We also condemn the actions of the Nigeria Police who have once again shown the world and Nigeria why they were ranked very poorly as one of the worst Police in the world by attacking innocent and peaceful protesters.
“We call on Authorities to take urgent steps to respect the rights of Shia to security and religious freedom. They should also ensure accountability for violence against the group, including the killing of 347 IMN members by soldiers in Zaria in December 2015.
“Concerned Nigerians will be joining the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) to participate in a peaceful rally on the 10th of January 2018 to Call for the release of Sheikh El Zakzaky and his wife.”
“We also enjoin fellow Nigerians to come and be part of this protest.”
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