From Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ite movement, has accused security agents in Katsina of harassment and intimidation aimed at preventing its members from holding a public procession in solidarity with the Iran over the ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel.
Addressing journalists in Katsina, the leader of the movement in the state, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya said the group’s planned procession was a peaceful activity protected by Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on freedom of assembly.
Represented at the briefing by Shehu Usman Dalhatu, Yahaya read a one-page statement titled “Security Agents Are Preparing to Spill Blood in Katsina State.”
According to him, the proposed procession is intended to express solidarity with what he described as “tyrannized fellow Muslims” in Palestine and Iran, noting that similar demonstrations have taken place in several countries, including the United States.
He questioned why security agencies in Katsina would attempt to stop the movement from organizing what he described as a peaceful procession.
“Public procession and prayers are the only support we can offer to oppressed fellow Muslims in Palestine and Iran,” he said, adding that supporting oppressed Muslims is a duty encouraged in Islam.
Yahaya further alleged that members of the movement in Katsina had observed heavily armed soldiers and police on patrol, which he claimed were intended to intimidate participants.
He maintained that the Islamic Movement has conducted peaceful activities in Katsina for more than 30 years without posing threats to lives or property.
“In the past three decades, the people of Katsina have witnessed our peaceful processions without any breach of law and order,” he stated.
The IMN leader, however, warned that if violence occurs during any of their future processions in the state, security agencies should be held responsible.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities in Katsina had not issued an official response to the allegations.