Ten years after the clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the group, has said former President Muhammadu Buhari will give account on the day of judgement.
The late president was at the helm of affairs when what was supposed to be a minor misunderstanding between soldiers and members of the sect degenerated to a full-blown crisis, which ultimately led to the proscription of IMN.
The clash began when IMN members blocked the convoy of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was on his way to a passing-out parade in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Soldiers had forcefully dispersed the worshippers who in turn fought back.
In the days that followed, the military carried out operations against IMN, resulting in the deaths and secret burial of 300 members of the sect, according to Human Rights Watch.
El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were later arrested and remained in detention until 2021, when a Kaduna State High Court discharged and acquitted them of all charges.
Speaking at a press conference to mark a decade of the sad episode, El-Zakzaky criticised both the Buhari administration.
“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 presidents at the time said he was following the matter with rapt attention. But he finished his first and second terms, and they said nothing”
Asked whether he had forgiven Buhari, Zakzaky replied: “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.
