The Nigerian Army on Saturday stated its reason for
attacking members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
attacking members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
The Army had on Saturday said the group blocked the road and
attempted to kill the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, in Kaduna State.
attempted to kill the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, in Kaduna State.
In a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Sani Usman,
the Army described the incident as ‘most unfortunate’ but blamed the sect for
blocking roads meant for the public.
the Army described the incident as ‘most unfortunate’ but blamed the sect for
blocking roads meant for the public.
“Yesterday’s incident involving clashes between detachments
of the Nigerian Army, accompanying the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General
TY Buratai and followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El Zak-Zaky, suspected to be members
of the Shiite Sect in Zaria, leading to loss of lives as a result of the Shiite
group members’ blocking roads and not allowing other passers-by to go about
their lawful businesses and activities, was most unfortunate,” Mr. Usman, a
Colonel, said.
of the Nigerian Army, accompanying the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General
TY Buratai and followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El Zak-Zaky, suspected to be members
of the Shiite Sect in Zaria, leading to loss of lives as a result of the Shiite
group members’ blocking roads and not allowing other passers-by to go about
their lawful businesses and activities, was most unfortunate,” Mr. Usman, a
Colonel, said.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the rights of any
group of persons and Sheikh El Zak Zaky’s followers to hold a peaceful march or
procession unhindered, but it also guarantees other people’s rights of way on
public highways. It is important to note that over the years this group has
subjected ordinary citizens using public roads to untold hardship, delays,
threats and disruption simply because they insist on using public space
irrespective of inconvenience and hardship on other law abiding citizens and
motorists.
group of persons and Sheikh El Zak Zaky’s followers to hold a peaceful march or
procession unhindered, but it also guarantees other people’s rights of way on
public highways. It is important to note that over the years this group has
subjected ordinary citizens using public roads to untold hardship, delays,
threats and disruption simply because they insist on using public space
irrespective of inconvenience and hardship on other law abiding citizens and
motorists.
This cannot be tolerated and must stop!
“As soon as order is restored to the situation in Zaria city
and its environs, the police will conduct an enquiry and the public will be
informed.
and its environs, the police will conduct an enquiry and the public will be
informed.
“In the meantime, the public is advised to go about their
lawful business and report any suspicious persons or incidents to the police,”
the Nigerian Army said.
lawful business and report any suspicious persons or incidents to the police,”
the Nigerian Army said.
Mr. Usman did not give details of the various attacks or
whether Mr. Zakzaky had been arrested or not.
whether Mr. Zakzaky had been arrested or not.
The Islamic Movement has said its members were unarmed and
that soldiers attacked its members in three different parts of Kaduna including
Mr. Zakzaky’s home.
that soldiers attacked its members in three different parts of Kaduna including
Mr. Zakzaky’s home.
The Shiite group said the son and wife of Mr. Zakzaky were
among ‘hundreds’ of its members killed by the soldiers.
among ‘hundreds’ of its members killed by the soldiers.
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