Reports from Zaria in Kaduna State has it that no fewer than 50 persons are feared dead following a clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.
According to available information, the clash stemmed from an alleged attack on the convoy of the Chief of Army State, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
Buratai was said to be on his way to pay homage to the Emir of Zazzau and attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
A statement by the Nigerian Army said members of the sect, numbering hundreds, and allegedly carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres.
The statement, signed by Colonel Sani Usman, said the sect members refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects.
Usman said the barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate Buratai 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”.
He added: “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.”
However, members of the sect who spoke with The Eagle Online said the attack on them was carried out by troops who came after Buratai had left the scene of the incident.
They said the soldiers came in two trucks fully armed and started firing at the sect members.
They equally alleged that the soldiers took away the corpses of some of those they allegedly shot dead.
One of them said: “I am so certain over 50 persons were killed by the rampaging soldiers.”
Zakzaky and his spokesman, Ibrahim Usman, were yet to speak on the development as at press time.
The Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigerian have not had a rosy relationship.
Last year, there was a clash in which no fewer than 30 members of the sect were allegedly killed.
Those killed included three sons of Zakzaky.