Shiite Group Cries Out Over Alleged Killings and Mass Arrests During Pro-Palestine Protest in Abuja
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has accused Nigerian security forces of killing 26 of its members during a peaceful pro-Palestine demonstration in Abuja, and detaining 274 others—including 60 minors and 11 people in critical medical condition.
In a statement issued by Shaikh Sidi Munir Mainasara on behalf of the group’s leadership under Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky, IMN described the incident as a brutal, unprovoked attack by the Nigerian Army’s Guards Brigade.
The protest, which marked the 2025 International Quds Day, was held at Usman Bin Affan Mosque along Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja.
The group alleges that security operatives not only opened fire on the protesters but also refused to release the corpses of those killed or grant medical access to the detained individuals who are in dire health conditions.
“It is pertinent to state that the crime of both the protesters killed by the Guards Brigade and those being detained by the FCT Police is participation in the 2025 Abuja International Quds Day and demonstrating their support for the freedom of Palestine,” the statement read.
IMN emphasized that Quds Day is a globally recognized event initiated in 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini to show solidarity with Palestinians. The group has marked the day peacefully for over four decades, with this year’s observance taking place across 17 states in Nigeria without incident—except in Abuja.
The statement further criticized the Nigerian government for what it called double standards. It referenced a recent statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who had condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza during an Al Jazeera interview in Qatar.
Despite this, IMN claims that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu ordered security forces to clamp down on the Abuja protest.
The group directly blamed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the deaths and mass arrests, vowing to seek justice in court and to hold prayers against those responsible for what it describes as a “devilish crime against humanity.”
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