Senate begins investigation into Army/Shia clash in Zaria

The Senate Committee on Defence on Wednesday commenced investigation into the Army/Shiite clash in Zaria, Kaduna State, which occurred on December 12, 2015.
The Chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmad Lawal, told newsmen in Kaduna shortly after a meeting with the state Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, that their interaction with all interested parties would be in secret.
Lawal said: “We have come for a courtesy call and we have had a meeting with the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division.
“We are also meeting the Director DSS and also the Commissioner of Police.”
Lawal added that the committee would proceed to Zaria, where it planned to visit the Shiite shrine among other engagements.
He said for now, the activities of the committee would not be opened to the public.
He said: “Public hearing will be better after our fact finding session.
“Most of the issues are very sensitive security issues and we believe we shouldn’t play to the gallery.”
Lawal revealed that the committee had two weeks ago met with top ranking members of the Shia.
“The session we had wasn’t a conclusive hearing because we still believe they have other issues that they believe we need to hear and we will give them that opportunity at a later time,” he said.
NAN.