Kaduna— The aftermath of the violent 2015 clash between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, and the Nigerian Army continues to haunt survivors and bereaved families. Malam Mustapha, a victim of the tragic encounter in Zaria, Kaduna State, revealed the devastating impact of the event on his life.
“Today, I am paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair,” Mustapha lamented. “My father and two of my brothers were killed in that clash. Just imagine my situation.”
Speaking during the 9th annual commemoration of the incident, Mustapha joined other victims, including widows and children of the deceased, to share their harrowing experiences. The women, many of whom have been left destitute, described the daily struggles they face in providing for their families since losing their breadwinners.
“Often, we go to bed hungry,” one grieving widow shared. “My husband was killed for no just cause, and now I am left alone to fend for my children.”
The clash, which occurred on December 12, 2015, began when IMN members occupied a major highway in Zaria during a Maulud celebration to mark the birth of Prophet Mohammed. The standoff escalated when the convoy of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, encountered resistance while trying to navigate the blocked road. The confrontation turned deadly, leaving numerous casualties among the Shiite sect and sparking widespread condemnation.
During the commemoration event, Mohammed Abdullahi, Chief Organizer and a member of the Hurras of the Islamic Movement, Kaduna State chapter, criticized the actions of the military, alleging a deliberate attempt to annihilate the IMN. “The intention of the military was to wipe out the entire IMN, but by the will of Allah, we are still alive, and our leader is still alive,” Abdullahi stated. “This commemoration is our way of ensuring the memories of the Zaria massacre are not forgotten and to seek justice and mercy from Nigerians.”
The event, originally slated for December 2024 but postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, featured testimonials from victims and a call for public support. According to Abdullahi, the commemoration is a reminder of the massacre and the resilience of the IMN community in the face of adversity.
A guest speaker at the event, Nasir Hashim, a lecturer at Kaduna State University, expressed deep sorrow after hearing the victims’ accounts. “Listening to the testimonies, I almost shed tears,” Hashim said. “It felt as though humanity was absent in that incident. Innocent people lost their lives, and justice remains elusive.”
Hashim emphasized the importance of justice to prevent such occurrences in the future. “The solution lies in providing justice to all. In Nigeria, we have a system where leaders benefit from injustice. This must change. Justice cannot come on its own; people must actively seek it, just as they seek freedom.”
Mustapha, reflecting on the incident that left him paralyzed, expressed his belief in the righteousness of their cause. “What happened to us that day was a grave injustice. We were practicing our religion peacefully, without harming anyone. I am grateful to still be alive to tell our story,” he said.
As the victims and families of the 2015 Zaria clash continue to seek justice, they hope the commemoration will draw attention to their plight and inspire collective action to ensure accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s justice system.
For many, the scars of that fateful day remain fresh, a testament to the need for reconciliation, transparency, and a commitment to upholding human rights.
