Shiites Petition Nigerian Governor’s Forum Over Killing Of Members During Pro-Palestinian Protest

The Islamic movement in Nigeria known as has petitioned the Nigerian Governor’s Forum alleging the killing of its members by the police and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

In the petition dated 23 April and addressed to the Chairman Governor’s Forum, the Shi’ites said, on 5^th April, while on a peaceful pro-Palestinian protest in Kaduna and Zaria, armed police operatives shot at them, killing seven of its members.

The petition, titled, ‘Petition Against Mr Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State and the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna for Arbitrary Extra-Judicial Killing of Seven and Wounding Over 30 Peaceful Protesters on 5th of April, 2024 in Kaduna and Zaria,’ was shared with this medium on Thursday.

The Shi’ite members said they were protesting in solidarity with the Palestinians who were being killed by Israeli armed forces in Gaza.

On 7^th May, 2024 at around 3:43pm 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 civilian in the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defence Forces. Protests have been going on nonstop in USA, UK, France, Germany and other European Nations including the 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 years’ International Quds Day was observed worldover 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 our 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. 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.