Today, Friday, December 13, 2025, followers of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky in Katsina, under the leadership of Sheikh Yakub Yahaya Katsina, held a rally to commemorate what they described as the acts of oppression and terrorism perpetrated by the Buhari administration against the Shiite community in 2015. The event was organized to honor the victims of the tragic attack, which led to numerous deaths, the destruction of worship centers, and mass killings of men, women, and children.  

The rally took place after the Friday congregational prayers at the Central Mosque in Kofar Soro, near the Katsina Emir’s palace. Thousands of Sheikh Zakzaky’s followers attended, engaging in prayers and chants filled with sorrow, remembering the tragic events that unfolded in Zaria, Kaduna State.  

In 2015, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari led a military operation in Zaria, resulting in the massacre of hundreds of Shiite adherents, including the children of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky. The operation involved the destruction of the Hussainiyya Bakiyyatullah, the main Shiite worship center, as well as the demolition of homes belonging to the group’s leaders. Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife, Malama Zeenat, sustained severe injuries and were arrested alongside many of their followers. The incident has since fueled ongoing tensions between the Shiite community and the federal government.  

This rally served as a solemn occasion to remember the Zaria massacre and to express grief over what the participants termed “an unforgettable injustice.” The prayers, led by Malam Dalhatu, sought forgiveness for those who lost their lives and appealed for peace in Nigeria.  

One participant shared his thoughts with reporters, stating:  

“Remembering the Zaria massacre is of utmost importance as it offers a lesson for the world, especially on addressing security challenges with compassion for human life.”  

The event featured peaceful assemblies, with photographs capturing participants holding symbols of peace and mourning. It underscored the enduring significance of the 2015 Zaria massacre in the hearts of Sheikh Zakzaky’s followers.  

The rally concluded peacefully, with calls on the government to uphold justice and protect human rights in Nigeria.  

Photo: Isma'il Abubakar Idris