In a tragic incident on Friday, three members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, were feared killed, and several others injured when unidentified attackers stormed a mosque in Geidam, Yobe State. The attack occurred at the Fudiyyah Islamiyyah School mosque, which is affiliated with Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants invaded the mosque around 4 a.m., during the early morning prayers. Among the victims were Shaheed Ahmad Abdurrahman, Shaheed Muhammad Saleh, and Shaheed Abdullahi Unguwar Karau Kawo, all of whom were confirmed dead at the scene. The injured worshippers are currently receiving medical attention.
The attack comes amid escalating tensions between the Nigerian authorities and the Islamic Movement. Earlier this week, there were reports of a crackdown on the group by the police. On Monday, it was alleged that the police hierarchy ordered the arrest of adherents of the Islamic Movement. This directive was reportedly followed by a series of raids on Islamic Movement-associated locations.
On Monday, August 26, 2024, police operatives allegedly raided the Fudiyyah Islamiyyah School on Airport Road, Abuja, vandalizing school facilities and arresting individuals in the vicinity. The following day, the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada, Abuja, was also raided by police in search of participants in the 2024 Abuja Arba’een procession, an annual event observed by Shi’ites worldwide.
In response to the attack, Sheikh Sidi Mainasara, speaking on behalf of the Islamic Movement, condemned the violence and vowed to take necessary action against those responsible. He expressed deep concern over the recent events, which he described as part of a disturbing trend of violence and harassment against the group.
“We condemn this attack and the killing of Muslim worshippers in the mosque in Geidam, Geidam Local Government, Yobe State,” Sheikh Mainasara stated. “We vow to take necessary action against the perpetrators of this devilish act.”
He further highlighted the broader context of the crackdown on the Islamic Movement, pointing to the alleged police orders to target the group and the subsequent raids that followed.
The recent violence in Geidam has raised concerns about the safety and security of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. The situation remains tense, with the Islamic Movement urging the government to take immediate action to protect its members and ensure justice for the victims of the attack.
As investigations into the incident continue, the Islamic Movement has called on its members and the wider Muslim community to remain vigilant and united in the face of these challenges. The group also urged international human rights organizations to take note of the ongoing persecution of its members and to intervene to prevent further violence.
The attack on the Geidam mosque is the latest in a series of incidents that have heightened tensions between the Islamic Movement and Nigerian authorities, sparking fears of further violence in the region.
