Army v Zakzaky’s followers: Confusion over casualty figure, cause + photos

There was confusion on Saturday over the casualty figure from the clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.
So also was there confusion over who the aggressor was in the face-off.
The confusion stemmed from the initial figure of the dead relayed by those at the scene of the clash to media houses and the varying versions of what led to the clash by the Nigerian Army and the sect members.
While a source at the scene put the figure of the dead at over 50 in a telephone interview with The Eagle Online, another person told Premium Times it was over 20.
However, the spokesman of the group, which has affiliation with the Shiite Islamic sect, Ibrahim Usman, in an email late on Saturday, confirmed only three persons dead.
Usman, however, did not pick his calls to clarify.
The sect members also said the Nigerian Army was the aggressor.
They alleged that the soldiers came in two trucks and opened fire on the worshippers at its headquarters in Zaria, Kaduna State.
However, the Nigerian Army said the sect members made an attempt on the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.
A statement by the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Sani Usman, said: “The Shiite Sect on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky today afternoon in Zaria attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff while on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of 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 publicized.
“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.
“We wish to implore all Nigerians to continue to be law abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life, freedom of movement and passage. The Chief of Army escaped unhurt and continued with his duties.”