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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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14 September 2009
URGENT ALERT: Nigeria – Threat of state-instigated violence against the al-Quds procession
Contents
1. Summary
2. Background
3. Action required
4. Sample letters
5. Addresses for sample letters
1. Summary
A leaked intelligence report has outlined a plan to massacre the Nigerian Shia community based in Zaria. The main target is Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, leader of the ‘Islamic Movement’ in Nigeria, who himself has received specific threats to have his house bombed.
The Daily Trust newspaper based in Abuja, reported the presence in Gyallesu Quarters of seven vans of Kaduna State’s joint military and mobile police force known as Operation Yaki. The policemen were also deployed to Tudun Wada Quarters.
IHRC is urgently calling on campaigners to write foreign ministers and Nigerian ambassadors in their respective countries, calling on the Nigerian government to ensure that no such attacks be carried out on members of Nigeria’s Shia community.
2. Background
Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky said to the Abuja’s Daily Trust newspaper:
“It is true that government is planning to attack us. That is why they sent seven vans full of mobile police to my area of residence, Gyellesu. Our intelligence here in Zaria and Abuja reliably gathered that the Federal Government has given its security agents up to tomorrow Friday (today) to finish with us, me in particular. They are planning to bomb my house in the event that I resist arrest.”
Sheikh Zakzaky also said his movement’s agents spotted the Kaduna State Police Commissioner Alhaji Tambari Yabo Muhammad personally briefing the policemen deployed to the area. He said soldiers at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria were also mobilised for the operation:
“They are only waiting for signals from Abuja to begin executing their plan. Up to yesterday (Wednesday) night they had not received the signal. We are waiting to see what would happen today (yesterday). Our agents overheard the Commissioner of police telling his men in Hausa that ka gama da makiyinka kafin shi ya gama dakai, that is, ‘you should finish with your enemy before he finishes with you’.”
Dr Abdullahi Danladi of the Islamic Movement’s Resource Forum said:
“Nigerian security operatives met in Abuja early last week and came out with a blueprint on how to phase out members of the Islamic Movement. Already, plain clothes security operatives have been stationed in and around Zaria city and environs from 05/09/2009 to set the stage for action, on the 20th of September when the Quds day procession will take place. The report was specific on Zaria, where it said, security operatives will unleash ‘Massive Massacre’ by way of indiscriminate shooting of those who will take part in the procession and onlookers. Meanwhile, security operatives stationed in Zaria are awaiting orders any moment from now to bomb residence of Sheikh Zakzaky (Leader of the Islamic Movement) in Gyallesu, Zaria. Consequently, the shooting and attack will spread to neighbouring towns in Zaria, under the guise of hunting for the fleeing members of the Movement. Intensive checkpoints will be mounted along all routes leading to Zaria, from 16/09/2009 to 20/09/2009, where security operatives will apprehend suspicious persons that have the resemblance of a Muslim”.
Members of the Islamic Movement have been subject to, arbitrary arrests and detention without trial; instant convictions at the first appearance in the court (and sometimes in absentia); police firing on peaceful processions, be they processions for celebrations or for protests — even wedding ceremonies have not been spared; attacks on mosques and religious schools during prayers or lessons; the destruction of houses of dwelling and stealing properties therein; the destruction of religious centres including schools and mosques; the destruction of farmlands and crops; the intimidation of women and children; and countless violations of religious sanctities.
During the Friday prayers at Ahmed Bello University Mosque, armed soldiers surround the area.
For further background information, please refer previous alerts below:
06 April 2009
Update Alert: Nigeria – State-sponsored Sokoto atrocities appearing to repeat in Zaria
https://www.ihrc.org.uk/activities/alerts/4405-Update-Alert-Nigeria-State-sponsored-Sokoto-atrocities-appearing-to-repeat-in-Zaria-
04 June 2008
URGENT ALERT UPDATE: NIGERIA – 113 Sokoto detainees each sentenced 11 years
https://www.ihrc.org.uk/show.php?id=3404
26 October 2007
Alert Update: Prolonged Violence and Detention of Shia minority in Nigeria
https://www.ihrc.org.uk/show.php?id=2977
20 August 2007
Alert: Nigerian security forces crackdown on Islamic Movement in Sokoto
https://www.ihrc.org.uk/show.php?id=2892
3. Action required
Write to the following authorities requesting them to urge the Nigerian government to ensure that no such attacks be carried out on members of the Shia community in Nigeria.
a) Minister of foreign affairs in your country. UK campaigners will find the appropriate address, fax and email on the sample letter below, and those in the Australia, Canada, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey and USA can use that which is provided toward the end of the alert.
b) Nigerian ambassador in your country. UK campaigners will find the appropriate address, fax and email on the sample letter below, and those in the Australia, Canada, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey and USA can use that which is provided toward the end of the alert.
c) Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. The appropriate address, fax and email have been provided in the relevant sample letter below.
4. Sample letters
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Sample letters are given below for your convenience. Please note that model letters can be sent directly or adjusted as necessary to include further details. If you receive a reply to the letter you send, we request you to send a copy of the letter you sent and the reply you received to IHRC. This is extremely important as it helps IHRC to monitor the situation with regards to our campaigns and to improve upon the current model letters. It is preferable that letters be sent via post, or otherwise by fax and/or email.
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a) Minister of foreign affairs in your country. (UK campaigners can write using the address supplied below, fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2417 or email: private.office@fco.gov.uk)
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Rt. Hon. David Miliband MP
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London, SW1A 2AH, UK
Dear Mr Miliband,
Re: Threat of violence on the annual al-Quds day procession in Nigeria
I am deeply concerned over the leaked government report, outlining a systematic, violent attack on a procession of peaceful unarmed demonstrators in Zaria, Nigeria. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, which comprises of the minority Shia Muslims, have once again come under threat by the Nigerian government.
Dr Abdullahi Danladi of the Islamic Movement’s Resource Forum said:
“Nigerian security operatives met in Abuja early last week and came out with a blueprint on how to phase out members of the Islamic Movement. Already, plain clothes security operatives have been stationed in and around Zaria city and environs from 05/09/2009 to set the stage for action, on the 20th of September when the Quds day procession will take place. The report was specific on Zaria, where it said, security operatives will unleash ‘Massive Massacre’ by way of indiscriminate shooting of those who will take part in the procession and onlookers. Meanwhile, security operatives stationed in Zaria are awaiting orders any moment from now to bomb residence of Sheikh Zakzaky (Leader of the Islamic Movement) in Gyallesu, Zaria. Consequently, the shooting and attack will spread to neighbouring towns in Zaria, under the guise of hunting for the fleeing members of the Movement. Intensive checkpoints will be mounted along all routes leading to Zaria, from 16/09/2009 to 20/09/2009, where security operatives will apprehend suspicious persons that have the resemblance of a Muslim”.
The Daily Trust Newspaper reported the presence in Gyallesu Quarters of seven vans of Kaduna State’s joint military and mobile police force known as Operation Yaki. The policemen were also deployed to Tudun Wada Quarters.
I urge you to call on your Nigerian counterparts to ensure that no such attacks be carried out on members of the Shia community in Nigeria. Please do not let such a massacre take place.
I look forward to hearing back from regarding these urgent matters.
Yours sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your name]
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b) Nigerian Ambassador in your country, addresses can be found below. (UK campaigners can write using the address supplied below, fax: +44-20-7839-8746 or email: enquiry@nigeriahighcommissionuk.com)
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom – H.E. Dr. Dalhatu Sarki
Nigeria High Commission, United Kingdom
9 Northumberland Avenue
WC2N 5BX
London
United Kingdom
Your Excellency,
Re: Threat of violence on the annual al-Quds day procession in Nigeria
I am deeply concerned over the leaked government report, outlining a systematic, violent attack on a procession of peaceful unarmed demonstrators in the state of Zaria, Nigeria. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria which comprises of the minority Shia Muslims.
Dr Abdullahi Danladi of the Islamic Movement’s Resource Forum said:
“Nigerian security operatives met in Abuja early last week and came out with a blueprint on how to phase out members of the Islamic Movement. Already, plain clothes security operatives have been stationed in and around Zaria city and environs from 05/09/2009 to set the stage for action, on the 20th of September when the Quds day procession will take place. The report was specific on Zaria, where it said, security operatives will unleash ‘Massive Massacre’ by way of indiscriminate shooting of those who will take part in the procession and onlookers. Meanwhile, security operatives stationed in Zaria are awaiting orders any moment from now to bomb residence of Sheikh Zakzaky (Leader of the Islamic Movement) in Gyallesu, Zaria. Consequently, the shooting and attack will spread to neighbouring towns in Zaria, under the guise of hunting for the fleeing members of the Movement. Intensive checkpoints will be mounted along all routes leading to Zaria, from 16/09/2009 to 20/09/2009, where security operatives will apprehend suspicious persons that have the resemblance of a Muslim”.
The Daily Trust Newspaper reported the presence in Gyallesu of seven vans of Kaduna State’s joint military and mobile police force known as Operation Yaki. The policemen were also deployed to Tudun Wada Quarters.
Please act urgently to prevent a potential massacre from occurring, by investigating these matters and ensuring the safety and security of the Shia minority in Zaria and neighbouring states.
I look forward to hearing back from regarding these urgent matters.
Yours sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your name]
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c) Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations (campaigners can write using the address supplied below, fax: +44 (0)20 7930 0827 or email: secretary-general@commonwealth.int
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma
Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House, Pall Mall
London, SW1Y 5HX, UK
Dear Mr Sharma,
Re: Threat of violence on the annual al-Quds day procession in Nigeria
I am deeply concerned over the leaked government report, outlining a systematic, violent attack on a procession of peaceful unarmed demonstrators in Zaria, Nigeria. The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, which comprises of the minority Shia Muslims, have once again come under threat by the Nigerian government.
Dr Abdullahi Danladi of the Islamic Movement’s Resource Forum said:
“Nigerian security operatives met in Abuja early last week and came out with a blueprint on how to phase out members of the Islamic Movement. Already, plain clothes security operatives have been stationed in and around Zaria city and environs from 05/09/2009 to set the stage for action, on the 20th of September when the Quds day procession will take place. The report was specific on Zaria, where it said, security operatives will unleash ‘Massive Massacre’ by way of indiscriminate shooting of those who will take part in the procession and onlookers. Meanwhile, security operatives stationed in Zaria are awaiting orders any moment from now to bomb residence of Sheikh Zakzaky (Leader of the Islamic Movement) in Gyallesu, Zaria. Consequently, the shooting and attack will spread to neighbouring towns in Zaria, under the guise of hunting for the fleeing members of the Movement. Intensive checkpoints will be mounted along all routes leading to Zaria, from 16/09/2009 to 20/09/2009, where security operatives will apprehend suspicious persons that have the resemblance of a Muslim”.
The Daily Trust Newspaper reported the presence in Gyallesu Quarters of seven vans of Kaduna State’s joint military and mobile police force known as Operation Yaki. The policemen were also deployed to Tudun Wada Quarters.
I urge you to call on the Nigerian government to ensure that no such attacks be carried out on members of the Shia community in Nigeria. Please do not let such a massacre take place.
I look forward to hearing back from regarding these urgent matters.
Yours sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your name]
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5. Addresses for sample letters
a) Ministers of foreign affairs in the Australia, Canada, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, UK and USA
Australia:
Minister for Foreign Affairs – The Hon Stephen Smith MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Fax: +61 (02) 6273 4112
Email: Stephen.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au
Canada:
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Lawrence Cannon
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0G2, Canada
Germany:
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Auswärtiges Amt
Werderscher Markt 1, 10117 Berlin
Email: http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/Infoservice/service/AllgemeinesKontaktformular.jsp
Iran:
Foreign Minister – HE Dr. Manouchehr Mottaki
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran
Imam Khomeini SQ
Tehran – Iran
Fax: +98 21 6674 3149
Email: matbuat@mfa.gov.ir
Malaysia:
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Hon. Datuk Anifah Hj. Aman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia
Wisma Putra
1 Jalan Wisma Putra
Precinct 2
62602 Putrajaya
Malaysia
Fax: +603 8889 1717
Email: http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=57
South Africa:
Minister of International Relations and Co-operation of the Republic of South Africa –
Hon. Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
PRETORIA 0001
Republic of South Africa
Fax: +27-12 328 7384
Email: minister@foreign.gov.za
Turkey:
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Balgat / Ankara / Turkey 06100
Email: info@mfa.gov.tr
UK:
Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs –
Rt. Hon. David Miliband MP
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London, SW1A 2AH
UK
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2417
Email: private.office@fco.gov.uk
USA:
Secretary of State – Hillary Clinton
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
USA
Email: http://tinyurl.com/m43cox
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b) Nigerian ambassadors in the Australia, Canada, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, UK and USA
Australia:
Nigerian Ambassador to Australia – H.E. Prof. Sunday Oluwadare Agbi
Nigeria High Commission , Australia
27, State Circle, Deakin
P.O. BOX: 241
Civic Square
Canberra
Australia
Fax: +61-62-2865332
Email: chancery@nigeria-can.org.au
Canada:
Nigerian Ambassador to Canada – Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher
Nigeria High Commission, Canada
295, Met Calfe Str
K2P 1R9
Ottawa
Canada
Fax: +1-613-236-0529
Email: chancery@nigeriahcottawa.com
Germany:
Nigerian Ambassador to Germany – H.E. Abdul-Kadir Bin Rimdap
Nigeria High Commission, Germany
Neue-Jakob-Street 4
10179
Berlin
Germany
Fax: +49-30-21230212
Email: info@nigeriaembassygermany.org
Iran:
Nigerian Ambassador to Iran – H.E. Ibrahim Abubakar
Nigeria High Commission, Iran
NO. 323/3, Zafar Street, Africa Boulevar
Tehran
Iran
Fax: + 98-21-88782254
Email: ngrembtehran@yahoo.com
Malaysia:
Nigerian Ambassador to Malaysia – H.E. Peter J.E Anegbeh
Nigeria High Commission, Malaysia
No. 85, Jalan Ampang Hilir
55000
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Fax: +60-3-42524302
Email: archives@nigeria.rg.my
South Africa:
Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa – H.E. (Gen) Buba Marwa (rtd)
Nigeria High Commission, South Africa
138 Becket Street
P.O. Box 27332
Arcadia
Pretoria
South Africa
Fax:+27-12-342-0718
Email:nhcp@iafrica.com
Turkey:
Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey – H.E. Mr. Ahmed A. M. Madori
Nigeria High Commission, Turkey
Ugur Mumcu Sk. 56 Abdoun-Central G.O.P.
Ankara
Turkey
Fax: +90-312-4481082
Email: ambassador@embassynigeriatr.org
UK:
Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom – H.E. Dr. Dalhatu Sarki
Nigeria High Commission, United Kingdom
9 Northumberland Avenue
WC2N 5BX
London
United Kingdom
Fax: +44-20-7839-8746
Email: enquiry@nigeriahighcommissionuk.com
USA:
Nigerian Ambassador to the United States – H.E. Babagana Wakil
Nigeria Embassy, United States
1333 16th street
20036
Washington
U.S.A
Fax: +1-202-775-1385
Email: pwol@nigeriaembassyusa.org
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For more information, please contact the office on the numbers or email below
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Holy Qur’an: Chapter 4, Verse 75
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