Nigerian forces attack Zakzaki supporters during Arba’een mourning rituals

Oct 18, 2019 18:26 UTC

Security forces in Nigeria have attacked the followers of Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), during a religious procession in the capital, Abuja, arresting at least four people.

The security forces used tear gas and live ammunition against Zakzaky’s supporters, who were taking part in a procession to commemorate Arba’een, the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH).

One of the mourners was reportedly injured in the attack.

Nigeria has been cracking down on the IMN for several years.

Sheikh Zakzaky has been in detention since December 2015 after his home in Zaria was brutally raided by Nigeria’s forces, during which he was beaten and lost his left eye.