By Mahdi Waziri Isa
Ten years after, Senator Shehu Sani has once again spoken against the 2015 injustice perpetrated against Shiite followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhai in Zaria where hundreds were killed in cold blood under the guise of blocking the road of the then Chief of Army Stafff, General Yusuf Tukur Burutai.
The Senator also spoke on the Lekki Toll Gate incident highlighting the disparity in responses to these tragic events.
He lamented that in December 2015, the military killed hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. The incident, which was initially met with silence from many Nigerians, has today become a symbol of impunity and injustice.
Sani recalled that many people cheered as unarmed children and women were slaughtered, and some even marched on the corpses and stole valuables from the victims. The bodies were later buried in mass graves, leaving families without closure or justice.
Sani contrasted this with the 2020 EndSARS protests in Lagos, where security forces attacked protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, resulting in numerous casualties. The attack was widely condemned, and the incident sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for accountability and justice.
Sani questioned why Nigerians tolerated the Zaria massacre but rose up against the Lekki Toll Gate incident. He emphasized that accepting and tolerating injustice against one group can embolden perpetrators and create a culture of impunity.
The senator’s statement has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling for justice for the victims of the Zaria massacre. Sani’s comments have also reignited demands for accountability and an end to impunity in Nigeria.
Sani’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for Nigerians to stand together against injustice, regardless of ideological, religious, or political differences. By speaking out against atrocities, Nigerians can work towards a more just and equitable society.
The Zaria massacre and the Lekki Toll Gate incident are painful reminders of the need for accountability and justice in Nigeria. As the country moves forward, it is crucial to acknowledge past injustices and work towards healing and reconciliation.
Leave a Reply