The petitioners argued that the anniversary offers a critical moment for renewed global attention to the incident, which they assert remains one of the deadliest episodes of state violence in Nigeria’s recent history.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ites, has petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urging them to intensify pressure for the prosecution of those responsible for the decade-old atrocity of Zaria Massacre.
In the petition signed by Abdullahi Danladi on behalf of the movement on Monday, IMN called on the human rights bodies to push for an independent international investigation into the December 2015 military operation in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The petitioners argued that the anniversary offers a critical moment for renewed global attention to the incident, which they assert remains one of the deadliest episodes of state violence in Nigeria’s recent history.
The petition recalls that hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed during the military crackdown under former army chief, Yusufu Buratai, with many more allegedly subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance.
According to IMN, no senior military or government official has been prosecuted ten years after the incident.
The group says families of victims continue to suffer intimidation, social stigmatisation, and the absence of justice or official acknowledgment.
The movement therefore urged the UN, Amnesty International, and the NHRC to press for the prosecution of military and political leaders believed to have ordered or approved the use of lethal force during the operation.
“Ten years of silence and impunity cannot erase the pain of the Zaria Massacre. Justice delayed is justice denied,” the petition stated, calling on the organisations to stand firmly with victims, their families, and Nigerians seeking accountability, truth, and dignity.
IMN insisted that only a transparent, independent investigation backed by international oversight could provide closure and ensure that such events are never repeated.