Shiites block Zaria-Kaduna Road in Protest

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as the Shiite group on Friday took to the Zaria-Kaduna expressway to protest against the prolonged detention of the supreme leader of Shiites in Nigeria, Ibrahim El Zakzaky.

The protesters wore their customary all-black attire and waved flags as members of the Islamic sect thronged the busy expressway in their thousands, denying motorists passage.

Ibrahim Zakzaky has been in custody since December 2015 after a clash between the IMN and Nigerian Army that resulted in the death of over 300 of his members.

According to Army officials, the use of force became necessary after the Shiites had blocked the road in an attempt to assassinate its boss, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai.

Premium Times reports that a spokesperson for the Shi’as, Musa Ibrahim, confirmed the development, saying their members were eventually attacked by thugs.

“A report just reached my desk,” said Mr. Ibrahim. “Some of members embarked on peaceful procession today. But they were attacked by thugs at Maraban Jos (along Kaduna-Zaria expressway.”

Musa, who confirmed that the procession was to demand the release of Sheikh Zakzaky, added that he was informed that the police intervened in the fight but couldn’t tell whether there were casualties.