The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ite has commemorated the death of its leader Sheikh Ibrahim Elzakzak’s children: Hamid Elzakzak, Ahmed Elzakzak and Mahmud Elzakzak allegedly killed alongside 31 others by soldiers in Zaria during commemoration of International Quds Day on July 25, 2014.
In a keynote address at the occasion held at Darul Rahama, Dambo village in Zaria local government area of Kaduna state on Saturday, leader of the group, Sheikh Ibrahim Elzakzak, expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy of Ashura and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (A.S.).
He reminded the gathering of the forthcoming Arba’een observance and referred to the funeral of what he described as the martyr of the Muslim Ummah, Sayyid Ali Khamenei and the significance of the occasion.
He also reflected on the origin of International Quds Day activities in Nigeria, explaining that the annual procession was first observed in Zaria on the last Friday of Ramadan before gradually expanding to other parts of the country as participation increased.
He noted that public awareness and support for the Palestinian cause had likewise continued to grow over the years.
“The International Quds Day procession is an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people, who have endured occupation, oppression, and injustice for more than seven decades.
“Attacking the Quds Day procession was an attempt to please Israel,” he said.
The cleric declared that the fear of death would not deter his members, pointing out that death is inevitable.
“Whether you shoot or you do not shoot, we will continue to come out. We are committed to the ideals for which our martyrs sacrificed their lives,” he said.