By Khalid Idris Doya Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have strongly condemned the gruesome murder of 16 Northern tra...
By Khalid Idris Doya
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have strongly condemned the gruesome murder of 16 Northern travelers in Edo State and the killing of over 6 of its members in Abuja during a procession in solidarity with Palestinians.
Speaking during a rally to condemned the incidents in Bauchi on Saturday, Abdurrahman Muhammad Kabir, a member of the movement, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of targeted attacks on Northerners, describing the killings as unjust and a threat to national unity.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the incidents.
It was recalled that 16 Northerners returning from Rivers State en route to Kano State were brutally killed during a mob attack by a vigilante group in Udune Efandion, an Uromi community in Esan North Local Government.
The movement emphasised the need for the federal government to ensure justice for the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Kabir alleged that security forces opened fire on pro-Palestinian demonstrators near Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, on the last Friday of Ramadan. He stated that 6 members of the Islamic Movement have been confirmed killed, while the number of unconfirmed deaths remains unknown, with the bodies allegedly hidden in an undisclosed military formation.
He also claimed that over 380 members of the movement were arrested.
While condemning the Abuja killings during the Quds procession, Abdurrahman said, "We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that a team of the Nigerian Army [the Guard Brigade] attacked the procession using live ammunition.
"Many sustained life-threatening gunshot injuries, and some lost their lives as a result of the brutality.
"There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting such brutality.
"In fact, they were marching peacefully from a mosque in Banex Plaza, where they observed Juma’at prayers, heading to Wuse Market when the army blocked the way with an armored vehicle and started shooting at the participants, mostly women and minors."
The movement said: "Reliable information confirmed that the Guard Brigade and the police have arrested three hundred and eighty (380) protesters, including women and children, and six people were confirmed martyred, while unconfirmed death bodies remain hidden in an undisclosed military formation and Police.
"Those arrested are being detained at SARS Abbator, Guzape, Abuja."
“We squarely held Bola Ahmed Tinubu responsible for the atrocities committed by the Guard Brigade through killing, abusing Islamic tenet and Muslim culture while attacking 2025 Abuja International Quds within the vicinity of Usman Bin Affan, Jumu’at Mosque, Abuja.”
The movement called for the unconditional release of all individuals arrested in connection with the 2025 Abuja International Quds procession and demanded the prosecution of those responsible for the killings of Free Palestine protesters.
The movement further called on relevant authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
According to them, the freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated.
"We cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. The government must take decisive action to prevent further occurrences and restore the confidence of the people in the security system," he said.
As tensions rise following these incidents, many Nigerians are looking to the government for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further bloodshed.
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