Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly called Shi’ites, have disclosed plan to embark on their annual nationwide Arba’een symbolic trek on Saturday.
The group, however, said that the symbolic trek would be peaceful and devoid of any attempt to disrupt the right of safe passage to other road users.
It added that there is no cause for alarm over the trek.
A statement issued on Thursday by the President, Media Forum of IMN, Ibrahim Musa, however, alleged that there was an indication that this year’s Arbaeen trek would be disrupted by the security agencies like that of last year or that of the Ashura, which took place almost 40 days ago, during which several people were killed.
The IMN spokesman said: “Although some state governments and the Federal Government have been plotting evil against our peaceful Arba’een trek and commemoration of Imam Husain (AS), we pray that Allah thwart and frustrate their evil plans as he has done in the past.
“Last year’s Arbaeen trek was met with gunfire from the elite Guards Brigade in Abuja, where 57 people were killed. Up till today, the Federal Government has refused to brief the public on the actual reason behind such a barbaric massacre on its citizens and has not initiated any investigation.
“Although the military made spurious claims to justify the killings it perpetrated on October 28 and 29 last year, the video from the march contradicted those claims.
“The melee began that day, as more than 1,000 Arbaeen trekkers approached a military checkpoint. Soldiers arrived to block off the road. An armoured vehicle with high-calibre weapons patrolled the highway. After soldiers began to fire, they targeted protesters fleeing from the chaos. Many of the injured were shot in the back or legs as they sought where to hide, with some shot at close range in the head, chest and stomach.
“Recently, the Inspector-General of Police told the media concerning the Arbaeen by Shiites that they will be treated like terrorists. This is an indication that this year’s Arbaeen trek will be attacked by the security like that of last year or that of the Ashura, which took place almost 40 days ago, during which several people were killed in each case.
“This is a clear violation of our human rights as enshrined in the constitution. How can an unarmed group of people be termed as terrorists? It has never happened anywhere except here in Nigeria.”
He said that the IMN was not unaware of the antagonism shown to them by certain people because of the Arbaeen commemoration on foot.
“We will like to echo what our incarcerated leader, Sheikh Zakzaky, said in 2014 in answer to our critics: “Those who oppose the trek should have come and ask us why we do what we do, and not pass judgment on us over what they do not know. If you don’t like what we are doing, then keep your mouth shut. It is our legs we use to trek with, not yours. If you don’t like the black attire we wear, we put it on our bodies, not yours. We will never force you to trek or wear black clothes. Until we do that keep your mouth shut.”
Explaining the essence of the trek, the IMN spokesman said: “Arba’een, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, comes 40 days after the Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Husain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA). Each year millions of Muslims flock to the Iraqi city of Karbala where the holy tomb of Imam Hussein (AS) is located to perform mourning rites.
“This year’s event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 19 (20/02/1441) globally; hence all preparations are in top gear by the Islamic Movement in joining this worldwide event across the country.
“The purpose of the symbolic trek is to recall and experience the trial and tribulation faced by the household of the Holy Prophet (AS), who were chained and dragged in the heat of the desert, barefooted from Karbala in Iraq to Damascus in Syria after the killing of Imam Husain (AS) 61 years after Hijra. It is a period of sadness and reflection on the injustice perpetrated at the plain of Karbala.”
“However, we would like to assure the public that this year’s Arba’een as usual will be peaceful and devoid of any attempt to disrupt the right of safe passage to other road users. There is no cause for alarm over the Arba’een trek. Love for Imam Husain (AS) is not just for the Muslims alone, but also for all those who love justice and fight against oppression in all ages, ours inclusive.
“We will like to also reiterate our demand for the release of our revered leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H), who has now spent four good years in an illegal and an unconstitutional detention, even with a valid order from a court of competent jurisdiction instructing his release. We will not rest on our oars until the revered Sheikh, his wife and others in illegal detention since December 2015 are set free.”
