Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), has commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Zaria massacre, a tragic incident in 2015 where Nigerian soldiers reportedly killed hundreds of Shiite Muslims.

Highlights:

• The massacre began after IMN members allegedly blocked the convoy of then Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, prompting a military crackdown. Reports indicate around 300 IMN members were killed and secretly buried.
• El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were detained after the incident and released in 2021, following a Kaduna State High Court acquittal.
• He criticized both former President Muhammadu Buhari and the current government for failing to release the 2016 judicial commission report or acknowledge the killings.
• On Buhari, El-Zakzaky stated: “Buhari has passed away. We will meet on the Day of Judgment… The equation of Buhari is over.”
• He said attempts to suppress the IMN only amplified its message globally, and noted that the movement has launched international legal action through the Islamic Human Rights Commission.
• Despite restrictions on gatherings, El-Zakzaky pledged the group would continue its activities: “If they don’t want to see us, they will still see us. If they don’t want to hear us, they will still hear us.”

Context:
The Zaria massacre remains a highly controversial event in Nigeria, symbolizing tensions between the government and religious groups. El-Zakzaky’s statement underscores the ongoing demand for justice, accountability, and recognition of the victims.