Shi’ites Petition Gov Sani, CP Over Killing of 7 Members

• The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) petitioned Kaduna State Governor and Commissioner of Police over the alleged killing of seven members during a pro-Palestine protest
• The IMN alleges that peaceful protests were met with violence in Kaduna, leading to seven deaths and over 30 injuries

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites, has petitioned Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Audu Dabigi, over the alleged killing of seven of its members during a pro-Palestine protest on April 5, 2024.

In the petition, which was also addressed to the Senate President and signed by Professor Abdullahi Danladi of the Resource Forum of the Islamic Movement, the Shi’ites claim that their peaceful protest was met with unwarranted violence. The protest was intended to raise awareness about the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza.

The petition highlights the following points:

• The IMN organized a peaceful demonstration in Kaduna on April 5, 2024, as part of a global movement to protest the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel.
• Similar protests were held in over 30 cities across Nigeria, all of which concluded peacefully except in Kaduna and Zaria, where the demonstrators were attacked.
• The attack in Kaduna resulted in the deaths of seven members of the IMN and injuries to over 30 others.

The petition further alleges that:

• The letters sent to the Governor and the Commissioner of Police through a courier service were refused acknowledgement by the Commissioner of Police, who threatened the courier delivery staff.
• The state authorities have a deliberate and hostile stance against the IMN.

The petition concludes with a call to conscience:

• The IMN questions the visible enmity toward their movement and urges people of conscience to recognize the Commissioner of Police’s oppressive behaviour.
• The movement appeals to respect for justice and humanity.

This petition aims to draw attention to the actions of the Kaduna State government and police, seeking accountability for the violence against IMN members and the deaths resulting from the protest.