10 Years After Quds Day Massacre in Zaria: Shiites Renew Calls for Justice, by Amos Joseph

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, known as the Shiites, has renewed its call for justice for the 34 individuals killed in Zaria on July 25, 2014, during the annual Quds Day solidarity protest under the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

This statement was made during a press briefing in Zaria, which was part of an annual program to commemorate the victims.

Shaikh Abdulhamid Bello, a representative of the Islamic Movement in Zaria, addressed journalists and explained the purpose of the commemoration. He stated, “The purpose of this gathering is to remember our martyrs who were killed by the oppressors on July 25, 2014, exactly 10 years ago.”

He further added, “The incident occurred on the last Friday of Ramadan during the annual Quds Day protest in solidarity with Palestinians. The Nigerian army opened fire on us, killing 34 people, including a Christian who was questioning their atrocities. The aim of today’s event is to remember these martyrs and to reaffirm our commitment to the path for which they sacrificed their lives. We will never give up until victory.”

The Islamic Movement also called on Nigerian leaders to learn from the actions of those allegedly responsible for the killings. Shaikh Abdulhamid Bello emphasized that the Islamic Movement is purposeful, with a clear aim they are determined to achieve, and they will never back down.

He added, “Oppressors are one force. Although those who killed our Muslim brothers might still be alive, their successors and armies should take a lesson. Just as those perpetrators are forgotten, their successors should learn that we are servants of Almighty Allah, committed to this path until we are granted victory. This ensures the religion of Almighty Allah prevails, guards us, and that everyone receives the freedom they deserve.”

The Islamic Movement also urged Muslims worldwide to address current atrocities by returning to truth and justice to restore dignity and peace. “The message remains the same: let’s get back to the truth. Let us return to justice, as Islam always calls for. This is what will bring us victory.

“As a nation, we need to wake up, set aside prejudice, and work towards establishing a system based on truth and justice. We must fight against injustice and oppression. This is what will restore our freedom, dignity, and nobility in this life and bring us solace on the Day of Judgment,” he said.

“People are divided into two groups: the army of Almighty Allah and the army of Satan. The army of Almighty Allah must stand firm in their struggle. We are reminding the oppressors, who belong to the army of Satan, to abandon injustice and do the right thing to achieve success in this world and find comfort in the hereafter,” he concluded.

The program began with opening prayers and the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by a parade and speeches to commemorate the day.

Held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Darur Rahma, Dembo Area of Zaria Local Government, Kaduna State, the event was attended by a large number of people.