By Zailani Mustapha The All Ja'afary Shia Muslim Community, a registered Shia organisation in Nigeria, has strongly condem...
By Zailani Mustapha
The All Ja'afary Shia Muslim Community, a registered Shia organisation in Nigeria, has strongly condemned what it describes as excessive pressure and restrictions imposed by security forces during its religious gatherings.
In a statement issued on February 17, the group accused the Nigerian government of systematic suppression and disruption of Shia religious events, particularly those associated with Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, a prominent Shia leader.
On February 14, during the annual Nisfu Sha’aban celebration—an event marking the birth anniversary of one of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandchildren—eyewitnesses reported that over 50 vehicles carrying security personnel were deployed to the gathering site. The statement stated that this was an attempt to incite chaos and prevent Shia Muslims from practicing their faith freely.
"Despite these provocations, Sheikh Zakzaky’s followers chose restraint to prevent bloodshed," the statement noted, adding that security forces have a history of using excessive force against Shia gatherings.
Allegations of Religious Discrimination
The All Ja'afary Shia Muslim Community raised several concerns regarding what it perceives as discriminatory treatment of Shia Muslims in Nigeria. It questioned why Shia Muslims are frequently denied their constitutional right to religious freedom despite legal guarantees. The group also criticized the government’s allocation of security resources, arguing that forces should be deployed to combat terrorism in states such as Borno, Yobe, Katsina, and Zamfara instead of targeting peaceful religious gatherings.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted a pattern of judicial victories in favour of Shia Muslims, asking why the government continues to suppress the group despite legal rulings. The community also suggested that foreign interests may be influencing government actions against Shia Muslims in Nigeria.
Calls for Justice and International Attention
The Shia community urged the Nigerian government to respect religious freedoms and prioritise the interests of its citizens over external pressures. It also called on international human rights organizations to take note of these alleged violations and hold the Nigerian government accountable.
"We urge the authorities to uphold justice, equality, and religious freedom as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution," said Abdullahi Hassan (Shazy), the community’s National Public Relations Officer.
The Nigerian government has not yet responded to these allegations.
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