Shiites Declare 1000 Members Missing After Clash With Security Operatives

In the aftermath of clashes between the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shi’ites and security operatives in Abuja, the sect has declared 1000 of its members missing.

For three days, the sect members marched on Abuja street, daring soldiers and policemen who attempted to stop them.

This has led to the death of some of them, many sustained injuries and over 400 IMN members were arrested by security operatives.

Abdullahi Musa, the groups’ spokesmen, In a statement on Wednesday, said in addition to the 1,000 missing members, 46 were killed while 107 sustained injuries.

“The public will recall that on Saturday 27 October, 2018 the followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) publicly announced the commencement of three (3) days religious gathering (Arbaeen Symbolic Trek) and protest for unconditional release of our leader, Sheikh Zakzaky (H),” he said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, during the programme, the military and police killed 46 mourners and protesters, injured 107 and 1000 got missing. The worst part of the crime is that the police are now blackmailing us to cover their atrocities ”

He said that rather than accounting for the missing persons, they have resorted to blackmail.

”The Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (AFIMN) objected and rejected the baseless claims made by the police that followers of Sheikh Zakzaky were arrested with explosives and at the same time we are calling the public to please ignore the allegation,” he said.

“The police should come out and tell the world where they got the explosive and account for over 1000 people that got missing during the three days protest and we are calling for the prosecution of all those that participated in the attack and killing of 46 protesters.”

The sect vowed to continue with the demand for the release of Zakzaky.

The Nigerian Army had already said on 3 members of the Shiite sect were killed during clashes with security operatives.