Islamic Movement commemoration of Ashura targeted in Communique from FCT Police Command

IHRC is deeply concerned regarding a notice circulated by FCT Police Command demanding that no one attends the Ashura commemorative march tomorrow 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.

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh said:

“Given the propensity to violence that law enforcement and security services in Nigeria have displayed towards people they deem to be part of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, we are deeply concerned that more state sanctioned violence could ensure tomorrow.

 

“We are calling on the Nigerian government to ensure that religious rites and genuine protest be allowed without harassment or fear of deadly violence from state security forces.”

 

For further information please contact +447958532196 or email media@ihrc.org.

Image shows attacks on the Ashura procession in Katsina in 2019.[ENDS]