"Northern Killings: Group Demands Justice, Probe"

By Khalid Doya Idris 

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has strongly condemned the brutal killings of 16 Northern travelers in Edo State and the murder of over 6 of its members in Abuja during a procession in solidarity with Palestinians.

Abdurrahman Muhammad Kabir, a member of the movement, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of targeted attacks on Northerners, describing the killings as unjust and a threat to national unity. "We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that a team of the Nigerian Army [the Guard Brigade] attacked the procession using live ammunition," Kabir said.

The movement alleged that security forces opened fire on pro-Palestinian demonstrators near Banex Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, on the last Friday of Ramadan. Kabir stated that 6 members of the Islamic Movement have been confirmed killed, while the number of unconfirmed deaths remains unknown, with the bodies allegedly hidden in an undisclosed military formation. He also claimed that over 380 members of the movement were arrested.

The movement called for the unconditional release of all individuals arrested in connection with the 2025 Abuja International Quds procession and demanded the prosecution of those responsible for the killings of Free Palestine protesters. They further called on relevant authorities to investigate the incidents and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.

Kabir emphasized that the freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated. "We cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. The government must take decisive action to prevent further occurrences and restore the confidence of the people in the security system," he said.