Mohammed Usman, the Department of State Service (DSS) official in charge of Sabon-Gari, Zaria, says Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ia sect, is proving such a divisive force in Kaduna state due to the huge funding it receives from countries such as Iraq and Iran.
They don’t believe in the sovereignty of Nigeria; they have their flags. IMN is a state within a state,” he said.
“They have strong affiliation with Iraq and Iran due to the fact that these countries have a large population of Shiite members.They have five different flags which symbolises some beliefs within the movement.
“I am aware of complaints of residents of Sabon-Gari about them. When people come to complain to me about them, I persuade them to bear the situation because when the IMN officials are invited for a chat, they don’t come.”
Keneth Dika, a lawyer and deputy superintendent of police, spoke in similar vein, urging the government to “control the sect’s external funds, which come from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.”
“Like the Boko Haram, if you trace the history of the Shiite, you will find that they have become difficult,” he said.
“The police is aware of the activities of the group over the years, including complaints by residents of Sabon-Gari, Zaria. But there was nothing we could could do to check their excesses other than interfacing with them to achieve peace.”
Source: +thecable ng
