Excessive force, restrictions: Shi’ite community cries out against security operatives
The Al Ja’afary Shi’ite Muslim Community in Nigeria has vehemently denounced the harsh treatment and restrictions imposed by security forces on its members during the recent religious festivals.
In a statement released on Saturday in Kaduna, the group’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Hassan Shazy, expressed outrage over the loss of four Shia lives and the injury of over 50 others, which occurred while they were still in a state of mourning.
Additionally, the community condemned the arbitrary arrest of over a hundred innocent Shia civilians in August, deeming it a grave injustice.
According to the statement, “We also strongly condemn the forceful removal of Muslim sisters’ divinely ordained dress, exposing their nakedness, and the torture of brothers and sisters in packed cells without regard for their privacy.”
The group called for an end to what it called “unjust actions” and urged security forces to cease using the “IMN” label to perpetrate violence against Shias.
The group appealed to security forces to prioritize genuine security concerns, including Boko Haram terrorism, banditry, and hunger in certain regions.
They pointed out that the Araba’een festival is a peaceful global celebration, commemorating the historic martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson in Karbala, Iraq 1,400 years ago.
By stressing the festival’s peaceful character, the group suggested that their observance does not warrant excessive security restrictions or harassment.
