In the wake of overwhelming criticism over the killing of several members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the nation’s Army attempt to justify its action.
In the statement released on Sunday by Army spokesperson, Colonel Sani Usman, the fact that the Shiite Muslims drew arms against the Chief of Army Staff’s convoy was not reaffirmed nor was the attempt on the life of Major General Tukur Buratai restated.
The Army simply explained, what me be its actual rationale for shooting and killing members of the Muslim group.
“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.”
“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.
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.”
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