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Why Was Saturday's Arba’een Trek Peaceful, Yet Sunday's Police Response Violent?

The Nigerian army passed by on Mararraba road during the Arba’een symbolic trek on Saturday, August 24, 2024. By Saifullahi M. Kabir  On Sat...

The Nigerian army passed by on Mararraba road during the Arba’een symbolic trek on Saturday, August 24, 2024.







By Saifullahi M. Kabir 

On Saturday, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, widely recognized as Shiites, embarked on their annual Arba’een symbolic trek in Abuja, honoring Imam Husaini. 

The announcement for this religious procession was made two days prior, with participants walking along the Mararraba road to Abuja.

Remarkably, the march proceeded without incident. Senior government officials passed through the area without any disruption, and local residents continued their activities unhindered. Traffic moved smoothly, and even military personnel traversed the route peacefully. There were no clashes, no chaos—no gunfire.

Yet, just a day later, on Sunday, August 25, 2024, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The Abuja Police Commissioner CP Benneth Igweh deployed a significant force to target members of the Muslim community, who were peacefully commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's (S) grandson—an observance that takes place globally on this sacred day.

This raises critical questions: Why is the might of Nigeria's security forces so often wielded against unarmed citizens? Why do the police seem to be at the forefront of these violent responses? 

Recently, during nationwide protests against the rising cost of living, it was again the police who opened fire on protesters, while in some cities, the military took a more measured approach, attempting to engage with the public. What is happening within the ranks of the police?

May Allah protect us all from oppression and those who perpetrate it.


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