By Muhammad Ibraheem Zuru
On Sunday, 2nd of September, 2016, Kaduna zone of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the spiritual leadership of his eminence Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky(H) remembered martyrs of September 1996 killed by the despotic late General Sani Abacha’s regime.
The event took place at Layin Kosai, T/Wada Kaduna and was attended by numerous brothers and sisters from Zaria, Yola, Kaduna and environs. Speakers at the event include Sheikh Abdul Hameed Bello, Ameer, Zaria chapter, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Yola, Ameer, Yola zone and Malam Aliyu Turmidhi, coordinator, Kaduna zone.
During the event, some veterans brothers(living martyrs) such as Malam Auwal H/Rigasa, Malam Aliyu Turmidhi briefed the attendants on
parts of the tribulations experienced during the Abacha’s oppression.
How brothers and sisters were displaced, apprehended and tortured, how many brothers were martyred during the oppression.
During his speech, Ameer of Zaria chapter, Sheikh Abdul Hameed Bello explained the genesis of the trying periods and hardship experienced since the early advent of Islamic Movement in Nigeria. He explained the first attempt of attack in 1970’s when Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky was a student at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The cleric also traced the early establishment of Islamic Movement, the tribulations experienced during the past regimes till the worst oppressed regime which was September 1996, under late Gen. Sani Abacha. He also accounted some of the experiences had during the attack and arrest of Sheikh Ibrageem Zakzaky in 1996 at his former resident in Kwarbai, Zaria city.
Also in his address, Sheikh Abdurrahman Yola explained keenly discernment between the tribulation of September 96 and the on-going tribulations of Zaria massacre, adding that, faithful brother and sisters should continue to follow the leadership and straight path of the Movement and intensify in night vigil for triumph of the dream of the Movement. According to him, the tribulations the befell brothers and sisters during the 96 regime and the current one of December 2015, was nothing but a trial which inevitable from Allah(The Most High).
He described September 96 and December, 2015, as a trial which is inevitable to every faithful believer for his course.
After the speeches, a quo was made and marched to the tombs of the martyrs situated at Bashama road grave yard, T/Wada, Kaduna. Malam Auwal H/Rigasa recited supplications for the reposed souls of the martyrs at their tombs.