Act Now, Zakzaky

Alert – Nigeria: Demand Abuja and other Ashura processions are protected from police and other violence

16 July 2024

The possibility of police or security services violence against those taking part has been raised by a notice sent by FCT Police Command.

Contents

Summary

IHRC is deeply concerned regarding a notice circulated by FCT Police Command demanding that no one attends the Ashura commemorative march on 17 July in Abuja. The notice appears to threaten use of force to break up the procession. Given the history of violence – including fatal attacks – against processions and protests organised by the Islamic Movement in the past, IHRC is asking campaigners to raise their concerns and demands with Nigeria diplomatic missions in their countries.

Action Required

IHRC is asking campaigners to contact the Nigerian High Commission / Embassy in their country demanding the procession in Abuja and the others all over the country, are allowed to proceed unmolested.

For background information on the persecution of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria please visit our campaign page here.

Model Post / Message

You can use the follow to post @ your High Commission or Embassy on X, or send via other social media messaging platforms if you can find them:

“I am deeply concerned regarding a notice circulated by FCT Police Command demanding that no one attends the Ashura commemorative march on 17 July in Abuja. I demand the Nigerian government ensure that all such events are allowed to proceed with harassment or violence.”

Model Email

Excellency [insert name of Ambassador / High Commissioner]

I am deeply concerned regarding a notice circulated by FCT Police Command demanding that no one attends the Ashura commemorative march on 17 July in Abuja. The notice appears to threaten use of force to break up the procession.

The procession held annually all over Nigeria as well as across the world, commemorates the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and calls out oppression in contemporary times.

Given the history of violence that law enforcement and security services in Nigeria have displayed towards people they deem to be part of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, I am deeply concerned that more violence could ensue tomorrow.

I demand the Nigerian government ensure that religious rites and genuine protest be allowed without harassment or fear of deadly violence from state security forces.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Embassy / High Commission contact details

Nigeria High Commission

email hc@nigeriahc.org.uk

X @NigeriaHCLondon

Canada

Facebook Messenger https://www.facebook.com/nigeria.missionottawa

X @NigHighCommCan

Germany

Email: info@nigeriaembassygermany.org

X @NigeriaBerlin