Three members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, were feared killed, and many others injured when unknown attackers stormed a mosque in Geidam, Yobe State, on Friday.
The attacked mosque, Fudiyyah Islamiyyah School, is affiliated with Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants invaded the mosque around 4 a.m., killing Shaheed Ahmad Abdurrahman, Shaheed Muhammad Saleh, and Shaheed Abdullahi Unguwar Karau Kawo.
Several other worshippers were injured and are receiving medical attention.
The incident follows a recent crackdown on the Islamic Movement by Nigerian authorities. On Monday, the police hierarchy allegedly ordered the arrest of adherents of the group.
Subsequent raids were carried out on Fudiyyah Islamiyyah School in Abuja and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, where police allegedly vandalized school facilities and arrested innocent people.
Sheikh Sidi Mainasara, briefing journalists on behalf of the Islamic Movement, condemned the attack and vowed to take necessary action against the perpetrators.
He said, “We condemn this attack and the killing of Muslim worshippers in the mosque in Geidam, Geidam Local Government, Yobe State, and vow to take necessary action against the perpetrators of this devilish act.
“The recent events are part of a disturbing trend. The Nigerian police leadership allegedly ordered operatives to crack down on and arrest the adherents of the Islamic Movement, under the leadership of his eminence Sayyid Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky.
“This order was reportedly given on Monday, August 26, 2024, and was swiftly followed by action. Hours later, police raided a Fudiyyah Islamiyyah School on Airport Road, Abuja, vandalizing school facilities and arresting innocent people living around the school. The next day, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, police raided the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, in search of 2024 Abuja Arba’een mourners.
“These incidents are not isolated. The public may wish to recall that recently, police forcefully removed the hijab of Muslim sisters arrested during the 2024 Abuja Arba’een. After blaspheming against hijab and Islam by the police in Abuja, and now abuse of Muslim worshippers and mosques in Geidam, Yobe State.
“We are still assessing the situation and analyzing these new calculated trends that the security agencies are taking by disguising their actions as attacks on Arba’een mourners and abusing the sanctity of Muslims and Islam.”
