By Haruna Shalleng
Last Friday, Muharram 15, 1436 AH (07/11.2014), students of one Islamic cleric in Talata Mafara, Malam Aliyu Musa ‘Yar Gora launched attack on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the guidance of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, which left many injured, including policemen on rescue mission.
This followed inciting statement made by Malam Aliyu ‘Yar Gora in the mosque before the entry of the Imam for Juma’at prayer. He told the congregation to ensure that no ‘Shi’a flag’ was erected in the town, as it is not a Shi’a town. The cleric also threatened and mobilized people to take drastic action on the Shi’ites, as the government failed to respond.
After the Juma’at prayer, in the absence of Ameer Malam Abubakar Nuhu, commander of the Hurras Malam Yahuza took over the usual address to the people on the sacrifice of Imam Husain (AS), when some hooligans influenced by the inciting statement of Aliyu ‘Yar Gora began attacking the audience with dangerous weapons.
As the bloodshed intensified and casualties increased the Brothers took took to self defence, and the protection of the Markaz located near the mosque.
The police hurried to control the situation, but were overwhelmed by the hooligans, some policemen sustained injuries as a result and had to be given medical attention by the Islamic Movement Medical Association (ISMA).
The attackers injured 25 members of the Islamic Movement, including a 6-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl.
The police on the rescue mission commended the peaceful conduct of the Brothers in finding amicable solution to the situation.
Anticipating further violent action by followers of Aliyu Musa ‘Yar Gora, the authorities imposed 6 pm to 6 am curfew on the town.
Residents have expressed dismay over the conduct of the cleric, which led to disruption of the existing peace. As at the time of this report, situation has been calmed under security surveillance.