The Shiite Muslim Community in Nigeria, represented by the All-Ja’fariyah Development Association (AJDA), issued a statement condemning the federal government for the persecution and attacks against its members in the country. Despite being a peaceful and law-abiding community, the Shia Muslim Community in Nigeria has faced ongoing harassment and discrimination.
The National Public Relations Officer of AJDA, Abdullahi Hassan, emphasized that Shias are not involved in banditry or terrorism, unlike other groups supported by foreign interests. The group highlighted the government’s focus on hunting down Shias while overlooking the real threats posed by groups like Boko Haram and bandits.
The statement also called out the government for offering appointments to known ideologues and supporters of these criminal groups, instead of protecting the rights of Shias. AJDA urged the government to learn from past mistakes, referencing the 2015 massacre of Shias in Zaria, and cease the unjust persecution of Shia Muslims in Nigeria.
Overall, the Shiite Muslim Community in Nigeria demands an end to the targeting of Shias and calls for the protection of all citizens’ rights, regardless of their religious beliefs.