ARMY REPORTEDLY ARRESTS SHIITE LEADER, TO SET UP PROBE PANEL

The Nigerian Army has revealed that it will set up a probe panel to investigate the cause of the clash between its men and Shiite Muslims in Kaduna.

This is coming on the heels of the alleged assassination attempt on the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, and the reported killings by the Nigerian Army of over 20 Shiite members, in a commando style raid of their stronghold in Gyallesu.

Punch Newspapers reports that the Shiite leader has since been arrested by the Army, and is being interrogated.

Speaking on the incident, the Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman described the incident as unfortunate.

Usman said “Yesterday’s incident resulting in 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.”

The Army spokesperson also said “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. In the meantime, the public is advised to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious persons or incidents to the police.”

Punch also reports that a large cache of arms and ammunitions were found during the raid.

The Shiite leader has since denied that members of his sect attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

The wife and son  of the Shiite leader, Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky were reportedly killed during the raid.

Members of the sect also reportedly staged a street protest simultaneously in Bauchi, Potiskum in Yobe State and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State, condemning the killing of their members.