TheCable

Two people were slaughtered in kaduna state while another nine were killed in Katsina as security agencies prevented Shi’ites from performing the Ashura festival, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has said.

According to the commission, security agencies are hellbent on preventing members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) from taking part in annual processions.

The processions mark the martyrdom of a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

In Kaduna, the IHRC late on Tuesday said a horde of soldiers surrounded the Markaz mosque filled with worshipers.

It said it was in possession of credible evidence that the worshipers were “trapped” inside the mosque, and called on the Nigerian authorities to withdraw the soldiers and “allow the worshippers to continue to exercise their constitutional right to freedom of assembly and worship”.

“The worshippers have gathered to commemorate historical events associated with the Islamic month of Muharram that are particularly significant in the Shia calendar”, the advocacy organisation said.

“Shortly before the the Kaduna Markaz mosque on Zango Road was encircled armoured military vehicles carrying heavily armed soldiers and also an ambulance were among a convoy of 18 military vehicles seen nearby.”

Vehicles of security agencies around the Muslim center | Photo: Mansur Nasir

Nasir Mansur, an eyewitness at the scene of the Kaduna incident, revealed to TheCable that in spite of the tension generated by the activities of the security agencies, Monday’s event took place and Shia members dispersed.

According to Mansur, the siege laid on the Markaz mosque and surroundings continued on Wednesday, which ultimately led to the burning of the building.

“Today being the tenth day of Muharram, we usually have the annual Ashura procession, which initially took place peacefully,” he said.

The Kaduna Markaz mosque set ablaze | Photo: Mansur Nasir

“The attacks started when the security besieged the IMN centre shooting teargas after which they invited hoodlums who burned down the Muslim centre in Tudun Wada.”

Mansur said the security operatives were a combination of soldiers, police and civil defence while claiming that the agencies enlisted the help of thugs to carry out attacks on Shia members.

“Two people were killed by hoodlums invited by police who have also ordered them to kill any IMN member at sight. They were slaughtered in the presence of police. There are several other people injured.

“Yesterday, we were at the centre at Zango road in the afternoon for the usual mourning event. The joint military and police had earlier besieged the area since noon, taking over the Fudiyya primary school which was located about 100 meters away from the centre.

Fudiyya primary school – owned by IMN – being demolished | Photo: Mansur Nasir

The IHRC also reported fatalities from other northern states where the Ashura processions are taking place.

“At least nine people are reported killed after security forces opened fire with live rounds on followers of IMNthe Islamic Movement of Nigeria taking part in a procession in Funtua in Katsina state.

The UK-based organisation said a similar occurrence is taking place in Jos, Plateau state.

“Troops are currently attacking the IMN centre with tear gas and live rounds in the city of Jos in Plateau state, inside which several people including a leader of the IMN, Sheikh Adamu Tsohos, are trapped.

“Sheikh Adamu Tsohos’s house in Jos was also reportedly under attack. Earlier people were stopped and arrested or turned back as they made their way into Jos to participate in the religious procession”, said IHRC.

Meanwhile, Sani Usman, army spokesperson, promised to find out the true state of things.

“I have no idea about that but I will find out and get back to you. This is not the first time we have been victims of campaigns of calumny,” he said when TheCable contacted him on Tuesday night.