Why it matters:
The Zaria massacre remains a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, symbolizing government-led violence against its peaceful citizens. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHC), continue to condemn the Zaria massacre.
The big picture:
The massacre, which occurred from 12-15 December 2015, was based on false accusations that the Shi'a community had attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Tukur Buratai. The aftermath of this brutal crackdown not only left a legacy of grief but also revealed the government's complicity in covering up the massacre.
What they’re saying:
Pastor Methosola Ndoma, a prominent Christian leader, expressed his disbelief at the government’s actions, stating there was no justification for the mass killing of Shi'a Muslims. He emphasized that the Islamic Movement’s survival, despite the government's attempt to crush it, is a testament to divine support.
Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, speaking at the event’s closing, reaffirmed the Islamic Movement's peaceful nature. He stressed that the movement is driven by facts and intellect, not force, and no government can destroy an ideology grounded in justice and truth.
Key points:
- The Zaria massacre in December 2015 saw the Nigerian Army kill at least 1,000 Shi'a Muslims, including women and children, after false charges were leveled against them.
- Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife Zeenah were targeted during the massacre; Zakzaky was shot in both eyes, and his three sons were killed.
- The bodies of the victims were secretly buried in mass graves, drawing international condemnation for violating human rights laws.
- Despite a court ruling in 2019, which acquitted Zakzaky and ordered his release, the government failed to comply with the court order until 2021.
- Zaria massacre commemorations were disrupted by security forces, who attempted to prevent the gathering, forcing a rescheduling of the event.
Go deeper:
Islamic Movement in Nigeria Commemorates Zaria Massacre
Hossein Vaez - Hossein Vaez
