Shiites can’t be intimidated, says El-Zakzaky

File: Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky

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Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has warned that the group “cannot be frightened by guns”, while criticising both past and present administrations for failing to act on the 2015 Zaria massacre and for being complicit in the country’s worsening insecurity.

Speaking ahead of activities marking the anniversary of the incident in a press conference on Wednesday, El-Zakzaky said the IMN had grown into “a power to be reckoned with”, insisting that its members had demonstrated resilience in the face of state force. A clip of the press conference, which was posted by TV Platinum on X was cited by PUNCH Online on Thursday.

“In terms of numbers, even if you hate us, you know that we are millions. In terms of commitment, we have shown that guns cannot frighten us, because we have faced them. Pictures show when people bare-handed approach those who are shooting them,” he said.

The 2015 clash occurred during a Maulud procession in Zaria, Kaduna State, when IMN members blocked the convoy of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, en route to a passing-out parade.

The military described it as an assassination attempt on Buratai, a claim the IMN rejected.

What began as a standoff quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.

Soldiers carried out coordinated operations at multiple IMN locations, including El-Zakzaky’s residence.

Human Rights Watch reported that approximately 300 members were killed and secretly buried, while a state-backed judicial commission put the civilian death toll at over 1,000.

The military contested these figures.

El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were arrested following the incident and remained in detention until July 2021, when a Kaduna State High Court discharged and acquitted them of all charges.

Despite past threats, El-Zakzaky stated that dialogue with the authorities was possible.

He alleged that IMN gatherings in Abuja are often denied venues under government directives, yet the group continues to convene.

“Normally, we gather in different halls in Abuja. Sometimes when we go to make appointment with some halls or event centres, they say they have been given written order that they should not give us. And they threaten those who give us. But all the same, we still gather. And tomorrow, by the grace of God, there will be a gathering. We call it International Women’s Day. The day of the birthday of Lady Fatima. It will come up tomorrow. And the day after, we will remember the Zaria massacre. And we will gather. They will see us. They will hear us.”

He also highlighted the influence of social media in amplifying the movement’s message.

“Whether they like it or not, they will see. And it is ideas we are expressing. We are selling ideas. And people are buying,” he said.

El-Zakzaky reiterated the IMN’s determination to continue its activities despite past violence.

“We will continue doing what we are doing,” he said.

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