Hawzah News Agency (Abuja, Nigeria) – IHRC is concerned that once again Nigerian authorities have chosen to target those members of the Islamic Movement choosing to peacefully commemorate the day of Ashura with mourning processions and ceremonies.

Whilst such gathering by other groups faces no such ire in Nigeria, every year those events associated with members of the Islamic Movement are often harassed and on occasion attacked with live ammunition resulting in fatalities.  It is noted that thus far this year the attempt to forcibly disperse the Zaria procession (one of over 300 across the country) has resulted in some injuries and two arrests.  Those arrested have been named as Ibrahim Habib and Suleiman Taninu.

IHRC demands the Nigerian authorities to release them and ensure that the rest of the processions and events are allowed to proceed without harassment.

Chair of IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said: “This Nigerian administration has used multiple narratives to try and justify its persecution of the Islamic Movement.  All have been proven time and again to be fallacious, and the extreme violence and persecution that has characterized the Buhari clique’s attacks are plain for all to see.  It is time for all relevant international organizations and unions to take appropriate action against the Buhari regime.”

Chair of IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said: “News of the killing of a reporter for Kaduna press, Bashir, by police in Kaduna is shocking but sadly unsurprising news.”

“The use of live ammunition against peaceful protestors and this case mourners taking part in a religious ceremony, are part of the Nigerian landscape under Buhari.  We demand the Nigerian authorities cease their attacks, and begin an immediate process of restitution.”

A teenage mourner, Mohammed Baqer was also reportedly killed.