Hold IGP, CP Responsible For Breach Of Peace In Katsina, Shi’ite Group Warns

The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ite in Katsina State, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya, has accused security agencies of intimidation and warned that the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the state commissioner of police (CP) should be responsible for any breach of peace in the state.

Briefing journalists on behalf of Sheikh Yahaya in Katsina State, Mallam Shehu Usman Dalhatu, cautioned that authorities should be held responsible for any breach of the peace that may occur during future religious processions in the state.

He expressed concern over what he described as the heavy deployment of armed soldiers and police across major streets of the state capital in recent days.

According to him, the security presence followed directives reportedly issued by the Inspector-General of Police instructing officers to monitor Muslim groups planning public processions in support of the Iran government amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel.

Dalhatu said the development was allegedly linked to accusations made by the Israeli ambassador in Nigeria claiming that the Islamic Movement led by Ibrahim Zakzaky promotes terrorism in the country.

He criticized the security deployment in the state capital, arguing that authorities should instead focus on addressing insecurity in vulnerable local government areas of Katsina State rather than targeting peaceful religious activities.

The IMN representative maintained that public processions in support of oppressed Muslims are part of their religious obligations and are conducted peacefully.

He added that similar demonstrations are carried out in many countries around the world, including the United States and other Western nations, stressing further that members of the movement have been organising peaceful processions in Katsina for more than three decades without causing harm to lives or property.

He therefore called on the Katsina State Government and the general public to hold the Inspector-General of Police, the state Commissioner of Police and other security agents responsible if violence occurs during any of their future activities.