ABUJA, Nigeria – April 5, 2025:
Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, met with representatives from various segments of the movement on Saturday, corresponding with 6th Shawwal 1446 in the Islamic calendar. The meeting, held in Abuja, was part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
In his address, Sheikh Zakzaky reflected on the spiritual significance of the recently concluded Ramadan fast, emphasizing its purpose of cultivating taqwa (God-consciousness).
He also spoke extensively on the ongoing oppression of Palestinians, condemning the role of the United States and Israel in what he described as a deliberate attempt to wipe out the Palestinian people. He lamented the silence or complicity of Arab nations, noting that only Yemen has shown consistent support for Palestine both at the governmental and grassroots levels.
“If Western governments openly back the oppression of Palestinians, what then is the excuse of Arab states that support the West in this injustice?” he questioned.
Speaking on the annual International Quds Day, which has been commemorated worldwide since its establishment by Imam Khomeini in 1979, Sheikh Zakzaky said, “Even in the heart of the United States, Quds rallies are held peacefully. Yet here in Nigeria, we are faced with violent suppression for standing in solidarity with Palestinians.”
The cleric criticized what he called a premeditated attack on this year’s peaceful Quds Day rallies across Nigeria. He revealed that while demonstrations were held without incident in over 35 cities and towns, only Abuja witnessed violence—allegedly instigated by security forces.
Sheikh Zakzaky pointed to a letter reportedly written by a certain Nuhu Ribado on the 26th of Ramadan, which labeled the Islamic Movement's peaceful rally as a security threat. He dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated, adding that the Quds Day processions have been conducted for decades without incident.
He further condemned the U.S. Embassy in Abuja for releasing an advisory warning of potential clashes during the Quds rally, describing it as part of a coordinated plan with local security forces to provoke violence. “Every location mentioned in their statement had military presence deployed in advance,” he said.
According to Zakzaky, Nigerian soldiers opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Abuja, targeting areas where no security presence was initially visible. He described disturbing scenes of brutality, including an incident where seven soldiers allegedly beat a single female participant with batons and attempted to strip her of her hijab.
“Where is the bravery in such an act?” he asked. “How does a nation’s presidential guard become so morally bankrupt as to target unarmed women?”
He expressed outrage at the excessive force used, likening it to the 2014 Zaria massacre. “This time, they didn’t just shoot and leave. They took away the corpses. We could only recover six for burial. Reports suggest up to 20 people were killed and taken away,” he stated.
Zakzaky also criticized the silence surrounding violence in other regions, particularly the South, calling all killings unjustifiable regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. “If we condone murder in one place, it will return to us elsewhere,” he warned.
He closed by reminding security personnel of the fate of past perpetrators of state violence. “Oppression does not last forever. The religion of Allah will prevail, and justice will be established,” he declared.
