No fewer than three persons died on Saturday following a clash between the Shiite sect andthe Nigerian Army in Kadun State. however, the Army said that the Shiite sect on Saturday made an attempt on the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on the orders of the leader of the sect, Ibrahim El-Zaky-Zaky.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement, that the convoy of the COAS was attacked by the sect while he was on his way to the palace of the Emir of Zazzau and to attend the passing out parade of the 73 regular recruits’ intake of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
He said that the Shiite members in their hundreds barricaded the road with dangerous weapons, ignored all entreaties to disperse, pelted and fired at the convoy with weapons.
Usman said that the barricade was a deliberate attempt to assassinate the COAS and the members of his entourage while on official duty.
He said, “The Shiite Sect on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim Elzaky-zaky, today (Saturday) afternoon in Zaria attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff while on his way to pay homage to the Emir of Zazzau and attend the passing out parade of 73 regular recruits intake of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
“The sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres. They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects.
“The barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as special guest of honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicised.”
He added that the troops on the convoy of the Army Chief were left with no other choice than to defend him and the convoy and to open up the barricaded road.
He stressed that the Army Chief escaped unhurt.
According to Usman, the conduct of the Shiite sect would not be tolerated and should never repeat itself.
He stated, “The troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff on hearing explosion and firing were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law abiding citizens. This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct. This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself.
But the Shiite sect faulted the narration of the army spokesman, saying its leader did not order members of the sect to assassinate the sect.
Speaking through its spokesperson, Ibrahim Usman, the Shiites sect said ‘‘Our leader did not order the killing of the COAS. It is a lie; a blatant lie. We were supposed to have a programme at that time. We always ensure a free-flow of traffic. Even when the shooting started, the COAS had already gone. So, army’s claim that Sheik Ibrahim El-Zaky-Zaky ordered members to kill the COAS is a lie.”
we learnt that there was a heavy gunfire during the attack which left about three people dead.
An eyewitness told one of our correspondents that the programme coincided with that of the sect members who were to hold the annual Maulud at Hussaimiyya in Zaria.
“As early as 12pm, members of the Shiite had barricaded the road where the COAS was to pass,’’ said the eyewitness.
About The Nigerian Blogger
0 comments :
Post a Comment