The Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has successfully commemorated the second year of the Zaria massacre in Abuja with series of activities ranging from rallies, processions, advocacy visits, and public as well as media engagements.
A statement by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa on Monday said it was the first time IMN was holding such events for three days consecutively and it was unprecedented, adding that the events loudly called for the immediate release of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife from illegal detention.
According to him the success of the three day events once again "puts to shame all purveyors of violence, whose main aim, had always been to portray us as a violent group".
"Except for the first day when policemen attempted thwarting the procession from reaching its destination, the Three Arms Zone where letters were to be delivered to the leadership of both Chambers of the National Assembly, there was no serious inimical occurrence.
"That the occasion was peacefully done over these three days puts to shame all purveyors of violence, whose main aim, had always been to portray us as a violent group. This is only a further evidence of our peaceful disposition contrary to these agents of doom,” he said.
The movement said it remained undeterred in its bid to secure the freedom of its leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife from illegal detention, and brought to book those behind the Zaria massacre.
"We are individually and collectively resolved to keep the fire burning and shall not relent until the total freedom of Sheikh Zakzaky is achieved. We will not leave any stone unturned until our all our members also being detained for no other reason but their faith, are freed. We will not rest on our oars until those who perpetrated this heinous crime against us, are brought to book in our local courts and at the International Criminal Court at The Hague," he said.
The movement commended Human Rights groups, activists and various local and international media houses for gracing the events, urging them to continue pressing for justice of Zaria pogrom victims and for the unconditional release of Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife as well as other prisoners of conscience still being held unjustifiably at various detention centres across the country.
