Ten years after the violent confrontation between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, the group’s leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, says former President Muhammadu Buhari will give an account on the Day of Judgement.
The 2015 incident, which began as a confrontation over a blocked road, escalated into one of the most controversial security operations in Nigeria’s recent history, ultimately leading to the proscription of the IMN.
Naijaonpoint recalls that trouble started when IMN members blocked the convoy of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was on his way to a passing-out parade in Zaria, Kaduna State.
What began as a disagreement quickly spiralled into chaos as soldiers forcefully dispersed the worshippers, who fought back.
In the days that followed, the military launched further operations targeting the sect.
According to Human Rights Watch, about 300 IMN members were killed and secretly buried, while a state-backed judicial commission of inquiry later reported over 1,000 civilian deaths, mostly IMN followers.
El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were arrested after the clash and remained in detention until 2021, when a Kaduna State High Court discharged and acquitted them.
‘Nothing Has Been Done’ – El-Zakzaky
Speaking at a press conference to mark a decade since the incident, El-Zakzaky criticised the Buhari administration and succeeding governments for failing to act on the inquiry report.
“Nothing has been done. They do not even acknowledge that anything happened,” he said.
He recalled that the judicial commission submitted its report on September 7, 2016, yet the government took no action.
“The president at the time said he was following the matter with rapt attention. But he finished his first and second terms, and they said nothing,” he added.
El-Zakzaky accused the current administration of adopting a similar stance, despite earlier assurances that the matter would be addressed and victims compensated.
According to him, there has been total silence.
‘We Will Meet on the Day of Judgement’ – El-Zakzaky Declares
Asked whether he had forgiven Buhari, El-Zakzaky was blunt.
“As for Buhari, it’s simple. He has passed away. We will meet on the Day of Judgement,” he said.
He recalled that while he was injured and “in blood,” one of Buhari’s ministers called him.
“I said, tell him my greetings. We will meet on the Day of Judgement. The equation of Buhari is over,” the IMN leader added.
On what he expects from the current government, the IMN leader said authorities should address the issue voluntarily.
“We don’t have to demand. They know a wrong was done,” he insisted.
He maintained that the massacre failed in its aim to silence the movement. According to him, attempting to “destroy an ideology with a gun” only amplified their cause globally.
He cited the international demonstrations that followed his arrest, saying the incident “made our cause known to the whole world.”
Asked whether he is open to dialogue with the government, El-Zakzaky responded: “Why not? They know talk is possible. But actions are another thing.”
He also revealed that the IMN has taken up the matter internationally through the Islamic Human Rights Commission.
“All the facts, pictures, videos, speeches are there. One day the court will look at it,” he said.
Despite restrictions on event centres and public gatherings, El-Zakzaky vowed that the IMN would continue its activities.
“If they don’t want to see us, they will still see us. If they don’t want to hear us, they will still hear us,” he declared.
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