Soldiers in Kaduna this evening surrounded a gathering of Shi’ite
Muslims in the state. According to reports, the Muslim group had
disobeyed the orders of the state government banning their activities in
the state. They gathered at a mosque to commemorate historical events
associated with the Islamic month of Muharram that is particularly
significant in the Shia calendar when they were surrounded by the
soldiers.
UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission in a statement released this evening said
“Shortly before the Kaduna Markaz mosque on Zango Road was encircled by
armoured military vehicles carrying heavily armed soldiers and also an
ambulance were among a convoy of 18 military vehicles seen nearby’’.
The group last year December clashed with the Nigerian Army resulting in
the death of some of its members. The group’s leader, Ibrahim El
Zakzaky is still in DSS custody.
