By Yusuf Bello
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), on Thursday alleged that its members were being attack by security operatives in Sokoto state.
An executive member of IMN, Sokoto Chapter, Sidi Munir Mainasara, raised the alarm in a statement titled: “Sokoto State, Joint Security Operatives Baying for Blood” and signed on behalf of the group.
According to him, “from the reliable information reaching us, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, through the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, is all set to drench yet again the seat of the Caliphate with innocent blood, and nothing could be more dangerous and distressing”.
He further alleged “Security operatives have been prepared and given the green light to the heinous plan to assault followers of Sheikh Zakzaky in a day-on-day-off arrangement, and wherever they may be found.
“The scheme has already started seeing the light of the day. The joint security operatives arrived on Wednesday in over twenty vans and laid siege to the venue, where the mourning gathering takes place, for almost two hours.
“Some are still on the prowl near the area and beyond, and they have even begun to make arrest as three minor students returning from school have been apprehended, viz. Mustapha Mukhtar, Ahmad Abubakar and Musa Salisu Rugar Liman,” he said.
According to Mainasara, despite avowal of the much vaunted rights to freedom of worship and peaceful assembly, Sheikh Zakzaky’s followers have been trampled upon, and their fundamental rights glaringly encroached and violated.
“For how long will those in power keep such inimical and flagrant abuses, even disregarding people’s feelings and inalienable rights” the statement reads in part.
Efforts to get the reaction of the state government was unsuccessful, as the Special Adviser to governor Aminu Tambuwal on Media and Publicity, Mohammed Bello did not answer a telephone call by our correspondent, neither did he reply text message sent to his mobile line as at the time of filing report.
