In a hurriedly and poorly prepared statement by the Operation Safe Haven, the unit saddled with restoring peace in Plateau State and some parts of Kaduna, one Major Ishaku Takwa, who according to the release is its Information Officer, alleged that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria despite the fragile nature of the stability in some segments of the State is planning a protest.
This laughable yet mischievous statement is not only aimed at instilling panic in the minds of residents but also to dent the image of the Movement by the same people that failed to protect the lives and property of the citizenry, thereby giving room for incessant unprovoked attacks and reprisal attacks.
To put the record straight, the so called intelligence report is just a figment of Major Takwa’s imagination, as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria is not planning on any protest “due to the health challenges of its leader Sheik Ibrahim El Zakzaki,” in any part of the country, not to talk of Jos that is still suffering from a crisis.
What should have taken place, was the annual Ashura procession that is done to mourn the gruesome murder of Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (s) in the plains of Karbala, modern day Iraq in 61AH. But, due to the frail nature of the security situation, we suspended that of Jos as it was commemorated in tens of towns and cities within and without Nigeria.
It is noteworthy to mention that, the Islamic Movement is an organised and well-coordinated body of people with representation in all strata of social status and for more than its four decades of existence, it has maintained a cordial relationship with its neighbours. Hence, the fear by OPSH of the protest being hijacked by “hoodlums and miscreants” is far from the truth.
Residents should dismiss Major Takwa’s fairy tale and go about their usual activities. The OPSH should be held responsible for any unpleasant development in the State, as the Movement is not planning any procession tomorrow.
Adamu Tsoho Ahmad
Muharram 10-1443
(19th August, 2021)