Army Update on Zaria Incident

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. In the meantime,  the public is advised to go about their lawful business and report any suspicious persons or incidents to the police.

You are please requested to please disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman

Acting Director Army Public Relations