Shiite members took to the streets of Abuja again to protest the detention of their leader El-Zakzaky – The group vowed to continue their protest until their leader is released – Members of the religious group denied attacking policemen during their protest on Tuesday, July 9 Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shiites have staged another massive protest in Abuja calling for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
According to Sahara Reporters, the group marched from the National Human Rights Commission at Maitama through Transcorp Hilton to Gana Street on Wednesday, July 10. Members of the group chanted songs as they marched, vowing not to give up in their plight to get their leader released. Shiite protesters call for the release of El-Zakzaky.
Abdullahi Musa who is the leader of the protesters said they were ready to die for El-Zakzaky whom they claimed has been poisoned by the government. He said: “His life is in danger and there is no reason for us to go back and sit down at home. The oppressors always brutalise, oppress and instill fears in the mind of the people. We are ready to die in this cause and we have said it that we must come and they should get ready. If they like they should come and kill us.” Musa denied that their members shot and wounded policemen in their earlier protest and that policemen in mufti should be held responsible for the destruction.
They have vowed not to give up until their leader is released. “We have been protesting. Even yesterday the protest took more than two hours peacefully before the police attacked the protesters. So we will never surrender and we will not stop what we are doing. This is our constitutional rights. It is the right of Sheik El-zakzaky to go for medical treatment and the court has granted him freedom and they should allow him to go.” Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu on Tuesday, July 9, ordered 24 hours surveillance on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs to forestall break down of law and order.
A statement by DCP Frank Mba, the force public relations officer in Abuja said the IGP gave the order following a violent protest by members of the El-Zakzakky Group in Abuja. Adamu said the protest by the group at the National Assembly led to assault and injury to police personnel on lawful duty as well as willful damage to public properties. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! Shiites bury their people 48 hours after clashes Read