The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has declared that the Shiite movement remains unshaken despite years of state crackdowns, insisting that no government can suppress its influence or silence its message.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of events commemorating the 2015 Zaria massacre, El-Zakzaky criticised successive administrations for failing to bring justice to victims of the deadly incident.
A clip of the briefing, shared by TV Platinum on X, was cited by PUNCH Online on Thursday.
“In terms of numbers, even if you hate us, you know we are millions,” he said.
“In terms of commitment, we have shown that guns cannot frighten us, because we have faced them. Pictures show when people, bare-handed, approached those who were shooting.”
The 2015 clash erupted during a Maulud procession in Zaria, Kaduna State, after IMN members blocked the convoy of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai. What began as a standoff escalated into a deadly military operation at several IMN locations, including El-Zakzaky’s residence.
Human Rights Watch reported that about 300 people were killed and secretly buried, while a judicial commission put the civilian death toll at over 1,000. The military disputed the figures.
El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were detained after the incident, remaining in custody until a Kaduna High Court discharged and acquitted them in July 2021.
Despite long-standing tensions with authorities, the IMN leader said the movement was open to dialogue but continued to face restrictions from the government.
“Normally, we gather in different halls in Abuja,” he noted.
“Sometimes when we go to book some event centres, they say they have written orders not to give us. They even threaten those who try. But all the same, we still gather.”
He added that the group would proceed with its planned events, including the International Women’s Day celebration marking the birth of Lady Fatima and a remembrance ceremony for the Zaria massacre.
“Tomorrow, by the grace of God, there will be a gathering. And the day after, we will remember the Zaria massacre. We will gather. They will see us. They will hear us,” he said.
El-Zakzaky also credited social media for amplifying the movement’s activities and message.
“Whether they like it or not, they will see. And it is ideas we are expressing. We are selling ideas. And people are buying,” he stated.
Reaffirming the group’s resolve, he added, “We will continue doing what we are doing.”
