The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran Monday reacted with anger to the crackwon on Shiite Leader Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky and his followers in Zaria, North-West Nigeria, declarimg unequicocally that the Nigerian Government is responsible for detained al-Zakzaky’s safety.

Deputy Head of Iran Supreme Leader’s Office for International Affairs Hojjatoleslam Mohsen Qomi made the declaration while touring the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

“He expressed concern about whereabouts of Nigerian religious leader al-Zakzaky. He said that the Nigerian government should not let the current critical situation to get worse,” IRNA reported.

It quoted Qomi as saying: “Regretfully, in recent days we see a suspicious episode is taking place in Nigeria and the Israeli regime is likely to be clandestinely involved.”

“Sheikh has been arrested by the state forces. He is alive and not martyred,” Qomi was further quoted as saying.

“From the early stages of disappearance, masses of people in Nigeria and African countries staged rallies to condemn violation of human rights in Nigeria,” IRNA further reported Qomi as saying.

It reported that “Iranian foreign ministry held different contacts with Nigerian officials, urging them not to let the current critical situation to exacerbate.”

“The Foreign Ministry urged the Nigerian government to bring to justice those involved in abduction of the Nigerian religious leader,” the report added.

•Photo shows Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky.