 |
| Sheikh Zakzaky |
Here's a rewritten version of the statement, preserving its meaning while enhancing clarity and flow:
Sheikh Zakzaky Warns Against Ethnic Divisions and Violence in Northern Nigeria
The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, has issued a strong warning against growing ethnic tensions and violence in Northern Nigeria. He cautioned that both foreign interests and corrupt local actors are exploiting the unrest for personal and political gain.
Speaking at his Abuja residence on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, during a meeting with representatives of various Fulani organizations, Sheikh Zakzaky voiced deep concern over efforts to divide the Hausa and Fulani communities. His remarks were shared through his official social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Sheikh Zakzaky rejected the idea that Hausas and Fulanis are separate ethnic groups, reaffirming his long-held view that the term "Hausa" encompasses a broader national identity that includes multiple tribes, among them the Fulani.
He criticized the deliberate manipulation that has fueled conflict between the groups. “It began with vigilante groups who attacked Fulani herders, killed them, and stole their cattle. These herders, whose ancestors knew nothing but cattle-rearing, were eventually armed and pushed into a cycle of revenge. That’s how the violence escalated,” he said. “Now, Fulani herders are branded as terrorists, and their lives are taken without consequence.”
On the issue of justice, Sheikh Zakzaky condemned collective punishment. “If an individual Fulani commits a crime, should the entire Fulani community suffer? Justice demands that the guilty be tried in court—not that innocent people bear the burden,” he said. “But today’s agenda thrives on endless conflict.”
He warned of a dangerous narrative aimed at portraying Hausa and Fulani as rivals. “Thanks be to God, their scheme has not taken deep root in people’s hearts,” he added.
Referencing devastated communities like Funtua, Malumfashi, and Giwa, Sheikh Zakzaky blamed foreign powers and complicit local authorities for orchestrating chaos to displace communities and exploit regional resources. “They don’t care about the people—they want the land and its wealth,” he said.
Highlighting the impact on the region’s economy and way of life, he noted that the destruction of farming, trade, and herding in the North is forcing many into displacement.
He urged the Fulani delegates to place their trust in God and to avoid conflict zones, even if that means relocating. “Insha Allah, we will overcome. Our strength lies in holding firmly to our faith,” he said.
Sheikh Zakzaky also denounced any calls for division masked as religious teachings. “If someone claims to teach you religion but encourages you to label fellow Muslims as disbelievers, know that such a person is a devil seeking to divide,” he warned.
He emphasized that whether under the guise of ethnicity or religion, the strategy of division remains the same.
Praising the Fulani people’s traditional values—modesty, respect, communal unity, and kinship—he called on them to preserve their moral integrity. Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (S), he said: “I was sent to perfect good character.”
Turning to recent events, Sheikh Zakzaky condemned the deadly attack on Quds Day participants by Nigerian security forces, in which 27 people were reportedly killed. “Only six of the bodies have been recovered,” he stated. “The remaining 21 are still held by the authorities.”
He questioned the government's rationale for the killings: “If you were searching for weapons, why seize the bodies? Is this about justice or bloodshed?”
According to Sheikh Zakzaky, the aim was to eliminate witnesses and cover up the massacre. “They only have strength against the unarmed,” he said, noting that the tactics of the oppressors may change, but their intentions remain the same.
Comparing Nigeria’s military with others in Africa that have intervened to protect citizens, he lamented: “Here, the military conspires to kill its own people.”
He concluded with a firm message of hope and resistance: “Our refuge is with Allah. Do not allow yourselves to be provoked into violence. That is exactly what the oppressors want.”
To those behind the oppression, he warned: “Know that Allah does not permit injustice. No tyranny lasts forever—history has proven that every form of oppression eventually falls.”
0 Comments