The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) have accused the Nigeria Army of abduction of two of its members while on their way back to their homes after the evening session of Ashura mourning in Katsina State.

A statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna by Ibrahim Musa, President, Media Forum of the IMN, said the abduction started on Monday, October 3, with Sunusi Haruna at Dutsin-ma, Katsina State.

Musa said: “It has come to the notice of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) the abduction of two of its members by the Nigerian Army on their way back to their homes after evening session of Ashura mourning in Katsina State.

“It started with Sunusi Haruna at Dutsin-ma. Some soldiers just bundled him into their van in a kidnap like manner, snatching the black flag of Ya-Husain from him. Since then he has been held incommunicado.

“Then on Tuesday the following day, some soldiers in Katsina metropolis abducted a teenage Muslim sister, A’isha Attah, after attending the Ashura mourning session by sunset. She has since been reportedly whisked to Kano, though her whereabouts in Kano still remain unknown.

“As at the time of writing this statement no offence has been established by the authorities holding members of the IMN, therefore we wish to inform the general public that the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar is a period of mourning the killing of the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Husain in the year 61 AH (680 AD).

“Incidentally these members of IMN were arrested when returning from such Ashura mourning sessions.

“We don’t want to believe that Nigerian secular Army, as an institution has been turned into a religious vanguard, but its recent actions in Katsina is indicating the contrary.

“When has Ashura mourning session become a crime in Nigeria?”

Musa added: “A similar report in Jos, Plateau State, and Potiskum, Yobe State, indicated that some soldiers were drafted to the centres where such Ashura mourning is being held, though there was no report of any incident.

“An important question begging for answer is why the intimidation by the Army?

“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria hereby call on the authorities responsible for the arrest of our members to release them unconditionally, since they haven’t committed any crime.

“We also call on the authorities to stop any harassment by the military on our members henceforth.”

Usman Abdul, Assistant Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigeria Army, did not respond to calls and text message sent to him, as at the time of filling this report.

•Photo shows Nigerian Shiites during a procession.