Ten years after the deadly clash between Nigerian soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, the movement’s leader, has declared that former President Muhammadu Buhari will account for the incident on the Day of Judgement.
The confrontation, which began as a minor misunderstanding, escalated into a major crisis during Buhari’s administration, ultimately leading to the proscription of IMN. According to reports, what started when IMN members blocked the convoy of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, on his way to a passing-out parade in Zaria, Kaduna State, quickly escalated into violent clashes. Soldiers dispersed the protesters by force, while some members of the sect resisted, sparking wider military operations in the area.
Death Toll and Judicial Findings
Human Rights Watch reported that at least 300 IMN members were killed and secretly buried in the aftermath. A state-backed judicial commission later concluded that over 1,000 civilians, mostly IMN members, died in the crisis. Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat were arrested following the clashes and remained in detention until 2021, when a Kaduna State High Court discharged and acquitted them of all charges.
Zakzaky Condemns Government Silence
Speaking at a press conference marking a decade since the Zaria episode, Zakzaky criticized both Buhari’s administration and subsequent governments for failing to release the judicial commission’s report or provide compensation to victims’ families.
“Nothing has been done. They do not even acknowledge that anything happened. Even though a judicial commission of enquiry was set up and submitted its report on 7th September 2016, nothing came out of it. 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,” Zakzaky stated.
He added that the current administration, despite assurances to address the issue, has also maintained “total silence.”
Buhari and the Day of Judgement
Asked whether he had forgiven former President Buhari, Zakzaky responded, “As for Buhari, it’s simple. He has passed away. We will meet on the Day of Judgement. I remember when I was shot and in blood, one of his ministers phoned me. I said, tell him my greetings. We will meet on the Day of Judgement. The equation of Buhari is over.”
Zakzaky insisted that the government should take responsibility for the injustice without being pushed. “We don’t have to demand. They know a wrong was done,” he said. He also maintained that the massacre failed to silence IMN, asserting that attempts to “destroy an ideology with a gun” only amplified the movement’s cause globally. He cited international demonstrations following his arrest as evidence of growing awareness and support for the movement worldwide.
On the possibility of dialogue with the government, Zakzaky said, “Why not? They know talk is possible. But actions are another thing.” He also revealed that IMN had initiated legal action at the international level through the Islamic Human Rights Commission, documenting all facts, pictures, videos, and speeches related to the massacre.
Despite restrictions on event centres and public gatherings, Zakzaky reaffirmed that the movement 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.
The Zaria massacre remains a stark reminder of unresolved grievances, raising critical questions about justice, accountability, and the role of government in protecting citizens’ rights.
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