By Ibraheem El-Tafseer
The Zaria Massacre, which occurred in December 2015, remains one of the darkest stains on Nigeria’s human rights record. The brutal crackdown by the Nigerian military on the Islamic Movement in Nigeria resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, with many more injured or displaced. Yet, what is perhaps even more disturbing than the massacre itself is the conspiracy of silence that has enveloped Northern Nigeria, where the tragedy occurred. This deafening silence is not just a moral failing, but also a reminder of the complicity and hypocrisy that pervades the region.
The silence of Northern Nigerian leaders following the Zaria massacre is an illustration of how sentiment can trump logic and common sense. When a similar incident occurred in 2014, during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the entire Northern Nigeria region united in condemnation, with widespread outcry and condolences pouring in from various quarters, including former presidents and state governments.
However, when the Buhari regime orchestrated the Zaria massacre in 2015, the same leaders chose to remain deafeningly silent, despite the glaring brutality of the incident beyond the previous, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. This selective outrage underscores the deeply ingrained sentiment that seems to guide the actions of these leaders and the ordinary citizens, where the value of human life appears to be contingent upon the identity of the perpetrator.
The irony is striking. In 2014, when a similar incident occurred that led to the killing of 34 faithfuls during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, the outpouring of condolences and condemnations from Northern Nigerian leaders was immediate and widespread. Former Presidents Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, General Muhammadu Buhari, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar all sent messages of condolence. The Emir of Zazzau and the Etsu Nupe were among others who joined in.
Moreover, several prominent figures visited the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria to offer their condolences in person. The Secretary to the Kaduna State Government led state delegation. Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Malam Yayale Ahmad, Malam Abba Kyari, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, Malam Adamu Adamu, Comrade Shehu Sani, Barrister Solomon Dalong, Pharm. Sam Ndah Isiah, Members of Katsina State House of Assembly as well as other notable politicians and officials were all there.
Fast forward to 2015, when the Zaria Massacre occurred during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the same leaders who had been so vocal in their condemnation and condolences just a year earlier were now eerily silent. Not a single one of them made a public statement condemning the massacre or offering condolences to the victims’ families. This silence is an outright display of hypocrisy and selective outrage that pervades Nigerian politics. It raises disturbing questions about the value placed on human life.
If the Zaria Massacre had occurred during President Jonathan’s tenure, with Kenneth Minimah as Chief of Army Staff, Andrew Azazi as National Security Adviser, and Ita Ekpeyong as DG DSS, the reaction from the Northern oligarchy would likely have been drastically different. They would have probably cried foul, claiming it was a deliberate attack on Islam and the Northern region. The narrative would have been that Christians, led by President Jonathan, were on a mission to eliminate the North. They would have also spun it as a southern conspiracy against the North, fueling ethnic and religious tensions.
The Northern elders would have been vocal in their condemnation, with some even going as far as to saying the President had “declared war on Northern Nigeria”. The hypocrisy is glaring, considering their silence when the same incident occurred under President Buhari’s administration. This double standard raises questions about their integrity and feelings as humans.
Instead of condemnation, the entire region seemed to rally behind the government’s efforts to continue the annihilation of their brethren, resulting in the killing of numerous innocent people after the December 12 pogrom across location throughout the 8-year tenure of Buhari. This hypocrisy is disgusting especially when one considers that the same leaders had been vocal in their condemnation of similar incidents in the past. The fact that it was President Buhari’s administration that orchestrated the massacre seemed to be the only reason for their silence with the key players in this brutal crackdown including Yusuf Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, Lawal Daura, the DG DSS, Ibrahim Kpotun Idriss, the Inspector General of Police, and Babagana Monguno, the National Security Adviser among others.
The silence of these leaders and the state of indifference of the masses is a reminder of the dangers of impunity and selective application of justice in Nigeria. It also highlights the need for accountability and the protection of human rights, particularly for marginalized communities like the Islamic Movement.
The action is a betrayal of the region’s rich cultural heritage and moral etiquettes. Traditionally, Northern Nigeria is known for its strong sense of justice, compassion, and solidarity. However, its failure to condemn the brutal suppression of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria suggests a disturbing departure from these cherished values. Furthermore, this silence is also in contrast to the teachings of Islam, which emphatically condemns tyranny and oppression, regardless of the perpetrator or the victim.
A profound teaching of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) instructs Muslims to “help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.” When questioned by his companions on how to assist an oppressor, the Prophet replied, “by stopping him from committing oppression.” This wise counsel underscores the importance of promoting justice and preventing wrongdoing, even if it means intervening against a fellow Muslim.
Regrettably, in the case of the Zaria Massacre, this fundamental teaching failed to be upheld. Rather than attempting to stop the oppressors or condemning the injustice, many chose to remain silent or even actively supported the government’s actions. This response is deeply troubling, as it suggests a departure from the Prophet’s clear guidance on promoting justice and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The pervasive sentiment and hypocrisy in Northern Nigeria have far-reaching consequences, contributing significantly to the region’s backwardness. When leaders prioritize personal interests and biases over justice and equality, it fosters a culture of insincerity and double standards. This, in turn, hinders progress and development. The disparity between Northern Nigeria and its counterparts serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of sentiment-driven leadership and the imperative need for a paradigm shift towards principled governance.
It is essential that leaders prioritize sincerity, transparency, and justice, rather than succumbing to the destructive forces of sentiment and hypocrisy. Only through a commitment to these values, Northern Nigeria can hope to break free from the shackles of underdevelopment and realize its full potential.
Ibraheem El-Tafseer, a seasoned journalist, public affairs commentator and content creator writes from Ibrahim Alkali Avenue Potiskum Yobe State.