From Hadi Bawa In commemoration of International Quds Day on April 5th, 2024, peaceful demonstrations across Kaduna and Zaria t...
From Hadi Bawa
In commemoration of International Quds Day on April 5th, 2024, peaceful demonstrations across Kaduna and Zaria turned tragic as government forces cracked down on unarmed protesters, resulting in the death of seven individuals and leaving dozens injured.
During a press conference held in Kaduna today, Professor Abdullahi Danladi, Chairman of the Resource Forum Islamic Movement, said: "International Quds Day, a day of solidarity with Palestinians and oppressed people worldwide, is typically observed through rallies and demonstrations held globally. In Nigeria, the event has been marked for nearly four decades, yet it often faces opposition from government forces, particularly in regions like Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria.
"This year's demonstrations, attended by men, women, children, and the physically challenged, aimed to show support for Palestinians and condemn Israel's actions in Gaza. However, the peaceful protests were met with excessive force from law enforcement, leading to the tragic loss of innocent lives.
"Among the victims were Mahmud Umar, Ibrahim Rabi'u, Haidar Ishaq, Mustapha Buruku, Ahmad Mustapha, Mustapha Adam, and Ammar Abdullahi Jihadee. Their deaths underscored the brutality faced by those exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
"In Zaria, where the Quds Day procession occurred in two phases, government forces were present, but divine intervention spared further bloodshed during the initial demonstration. However, the second phase in Sabon Gari witnessed a violent attack, resulting in two fatalities and several severe injuries.
"The use of deadly force against unarmed civilians reflects a disturbing trend of disregard for fundamental human rights and democratic principles. Rather than upholding citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the Nigerian police responded with disproportionate violence, undermining notions of justice, equity, and democracy.
"The Nigerian government's prioritization of quelling peaceful protests over addressing pressing security concerns, such as kidnapping and banditry, is deeply concerning. Citizens are left questioning the authorities' commitment to ensuring their safety and security.
"In response to these egregious acts, calls for justice and accountability have grown. The perpetrators of these crimes must be identified and held accountable for their actions."
Furthermore, Danladi said, "The Muslim community in Nigeria asserts its right to practice religious duties without fear of persecution or violence.
"As citizens and Muslims, we stand united in condemning the atrocities committed against innocent civilians and reiterate our commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and religious freedoms."
But the police had earlier denied the allegations levelled against it by the movement calling on them to show them the dead bodies of the dead.
Speaking in an interview, the police spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan challenged the Islamic group to show the dead bodies of those were killed.
“We got the information that the members of the proscribed IMN were going to hold a massive protest in the state and the command deployed its men to most of the strategic places to stop them from blocking the road, especially Ahmadu Bello Way Kaduna.
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