Islamic Movement Petitions Uba Sani, Kaduna CP Over Killing Of 7 Protesters
By Zailani Mustapha
The Resource Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has petitioned the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ali Audu Dabigi, regarding the extra-judicial killing of seven peaceful protesters in Kaduna and Zaria.
The petition, dated April 23rd, 2024, sighted by DAILY STRUGGLE, was signed by Professor Abdullahi Danladi, the chairman of the Resource Forum, and sent to the offices of the National Security Adviser, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
On April 30th, 2024, the offices of the mentioned recipients received and acknowledged the petition.
The petition reads; “We write to your office to intimate you on the conduct of the Kaduna State Governor and the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State upon whose instructions the Nigerian Police opened fire with live ammunition on peaceful Pro-Palestinian protesters in Kaduna and Zaria on 5th April, 2024.”
It further added; “The conflict in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel is a worldwide event that dominates the world and takes over the United Nations activities since October 2023. This event gave rise to worldwide protests against the killings of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defence Forces. Protests have been going on nonstop in the USA, UK, France, Germany and other European Nations including Israel itself. In Nigeria, such protests have been going on in several States including Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Rivers and the FCT Abuja.
“The last Friday of the month of Ramadan was designated as the International Quds Day and it is observed world over. The event had been conducted in Nigeria for the past 40 years. This year’ s International Quds Day was observed world over on 5th April 2024 including Nigeria where it was observed in more than 30 cities including Kaduna and Zaria. All the processions in all the States were carried out without any event, it was peaceful throughout including in Lagos, Rivers and Abuja. Unfortunately, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police decided to use his force and attacked the peaceful procession. Thus, he ordered the policemen to open fire with live bullets in broad daylight on unarmed peaceful protesters. This led to the killing of 7 persons,” the petition stressed.
“We see the actions of Kaduna State Governor and the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State as arbitrary, unconstitutional and in breach of the ethics of the Nigerian Police. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has provided for and protects the rights of every Nigerian citizens which includes rights to life, rights to peaceful demonstrations among others. If actions of the duo are left unchecked, the image of Nigeria will be tarnished in the eyes of the citizens and the International community.
“It is consequent to these that we forward this petition to you to take the necessary action on the Kaduna State Governor and the Commissioner of Police Mr. Ali Audu Dabigi for the breach of citizens’ constitutional rights. While we anticipate your prompt response, we wish you luck in your endeavor,” the petition concluded.