Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), said on Wednesday that the group “cannot be frightened by guns,” criticising successive administrations for refusing to take responsibility for the 2015 Zaria massacre and for allowing insecurity to deepen across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the anniversary of the incident, El-Zakzaky described the IMN as “a power to be reckoned with,” applauding the persistence of his followers despite years of state force and political pressure.
He said that even critics recognise the numerical strength of the IMN, adding that its members had demonstrated unwavering devotion throughout the years. According to him, “in terms of numbers, even if you hate us, you know that we are millions. In terms of commitment, we have shown that guns cannot frighten us, because we have faced them. Pictures show when people bare-handed approach those who are shooting them,” he said in a video posted by TV Platinum on X.
The 2015 confrontation in Zaria happened during a Maulud procession after IMN members occupied a key road and were accused of obstructing the convoy of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai. What began as a tense encounter quickly turned violent when troops opened fire, claiming the blockade endangered the life of the army chief. The IMN rejected the military’s claim, maintaining that its members were peaceful and that the force used against them had no justification.
Hours after the initial shooting, the military carried out coordinated operations on IMN facilities, including El-Zakzaky’s home, a development that drew global condemnation.
Human rights organisations later reported that hundreds died during the crackdown, although the military denied the casualty figures. After spending years in detention and fighting multiple legal battles, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, regained their freedom in July 2021 when a Kaduna State High Court discharged and acquitted them.
Responding to a question on whether he had forgiven the late president, he said, “Now, regarding Buhari, it is simple. He has passed away. We will meet on the day of judgement. One of his ministers phoned me when I was in blood. I told the minister that now I am waiting for my blood to drain so that I will pass, and I told him my greetings to General Buhari. I hope they will do the government well. We will meet on the day of judgement.”
What You Should Know
Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s remarks revisit the 2015 Zaria clash, one of Nigeria’s most controversial security incidents, where the IMN and the military gave sharply opposing accounts.
The IMN leader maintains that the group has endured years of persecution while remaining committed to its beliefs. His comments also highlight unresolved debates about accountability for the killings, the role of past governments, and the movement’s continued influence within Nigeria’s socio-religious landscape.
