El-Zakzaky’s residence still under siege

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The residence of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and the Huissaniya Headquarters of the sect in Zaria, Kaduna State are still surrounded by soldiers.

The soldiers, our correspondent learnt, have prevented people from going in or out of both premises.

This followed a clash between members of the movement and troops, which startedon Saturday night and ran into the early hours of Sunday.

The attack was premeditated by members of the Shiíte, who allegedly attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, when he was on his way to attend the passing-out parade of soldiers at the 73 Regular Recruitment of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.

Scores of people were reportedly killed in the gun duel, including Sayyid, one of the sons El-Zakzaky, the sect’s deputy leader, Sheikh Turi Mohammed; his wife, Zeenat; as well as the spokesperson for the movement, Ibrahim Usman.

A source told our correspondent that the dead were being evacuated from El-Zakzaky’s residence and the headquarters of the movement to the Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital at Shika in Zaria.

Members of the sect, who have faulted the army’s claims, have demanded the release of the corpse of their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Mechanised of the Nigeria Army, Kaduna has said it would address the media over the clash between the army and members of the sect by 6pm today.

This was disclosed by the division’s Public Relations Officer, Col. Abdullahi.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, who described the incident as unfortunate in a statement on Sunday, had said that the activities of the sect would no longer be allowed to cause hardship to members of the public using the road.

He stressed that while it was the right of the group to hold a peaceful procession, it was also the right of the members of the public to use the road without molestation.

He said, “Yesterday’s (Saturday’s) incident, resulting in clashes between the detachment of the Nigerian Army, accompanying the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai, and followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, 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 Nigerian constitution guarantees the rights of any group of persons. It gives the Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s followers the right to hold a peaceful march or procession unhindered, while it also guarantees other people’s right, including the Army’s right of passage 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 the 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 of its outcome. In the meantime, the public is advised to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious persons or incidents to the police.”

Source: Punch