Shi’ite/Military Clash: IMN Set To Move Headquarters To Yobe

By James BWALA, Abuja

Security Operatives in Yobe state have remained silent on the issue of relocation of the headquarters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN (Shi’ite) sect, from Zaria city to Faudiyya Centre in Potiskum local government of Yobe state, which house the second largest supporters of the Shiekh Ibrahim El- Zazzaky.
Since the clash between the Shi’ite group and military in Zaria, the supporters of the Islamic Movement in Potiskum have embarked on a weekly peaceful demonstration at the central mosque Potiskum which is said to be creating panic amongst residents.
Findings by Our Correspondent revealed that, effort were made by some clerics to stop the activities of the Shi’ite group at the Central Mosque failed following resistance by the group under its new leadership.
It was gathered that after every Friday prayer, the group amongst them women and children gathered around the Central mosque in Potiskum, where they lecture their followings before lining up for what is seen as peaceful demonstration, carrying placard with photograph of their leader in custody ( Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zazzaky).
A policeman who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “ We are not comfortable with the seeming peaceful demonstration near our Area Command office. We know this group and their antecedents, they have been known for violence and fanaticism as such, their protest every Friday calls for concern, even as residents have been expressing fears that if not checked the group may turn violence and cause lost of life.”
It could be recalled that, former leader of the group, Malam Mustapha Nasidi was killed during the Shi’ite/Military clash in Zaria following which the group appointed a replacement, which residents of Potiskum town are not too comfortable with, owing to his introduction of periodic processions in the name of ‘Free El-Zazzaky’.
Our correspondent, who has been speaking with residents of Potiskum on the move by the Shi’ite group to relocate their Headquarters to Potiskum also made several attempt to have official response from Police, but the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Toyin Gbagedesin could not answer several calls made to him seeking more clarification on the issue.