By Gom Mirian, Abuja
Residents in the northern part of the country and FCT has be advised to be security conscious as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as shi’ites plans to holds it annually Ashura procession on Tuesday September 10th, 2019.
This is contained in the security alerts published on the official Facebook page of the federal capital Territory Emergency Management Agency.
The statement said Despite the proscription of the group, it has dared the Police and insisted that it would observe the Ashura procession on Tuesday.
The statement noted that the Nigerian Police Force has however warned the group shun their plans or face the full force of its mandate.
Ashura procession, also called the Day of Ashura, is the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. It is observed annually by Shi’ite Muslims worldwide to commemorate the death of Hussain ibn Ali in the Battle of Karbala in Iraq. Known as the third Shia Imam, Husayn was the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam.
The statement further reveals that additional intelligence shows that its members would troop out from villages and cities in the 19 northern states and Abuja to mark it annually procession.
The statement warned that people should vacate if any noticed unlawful gathering of people or a crowded area as soon as possible.
It further warned that in an event of teargas people should avoid clearing their faces with water or wet objects but rather apply lotion or vacilline on their faces and avoid taking bath immediately.
Incase of firing, the public are advised to take cover if there is available hard objects to avoid been hits by a stranger bullet or any targeted objects.
Following the statement, the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adam has directed the Commissioners of police in all the states of the Federation and the federal capital territory FCT Abuja as well as their supervisory assistance inspector generals of police to put in place complete measures to avert any planned procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria across the country.
In a statement signed by the force public relations officer, DCP Frank MBA said “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police Force that some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) intend to embark on a nationwide procession, ostensibly to cause disruption of public peace, order and security in the Country.
“The Force notes that in line with the Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice 2019 of 26th July, 2019, the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have been proscribed. Consequently, all gathering or procession by the group remains ultimately illegal and will be treated as a gathering in the advancement of terrorism”.
Members of the sect has vowed last week to carryout it annually procession and we’ll as continued the struggle for the freedom of the IMN leaders Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
