Heavy Gunfire in Zaria As Troops Surround Shiites Leader's Residence

 

Heavy fighting broke out late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, between men of the Nigerian army and members of the Islamic movement of Nigeria also known as Shiite, following the surrounding of the house of leader of the movement, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, by troops, Leadership Sunday reports.

Following an alleged assassination attempt on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai at about noon on Saturday, when his convoy was attacked by the Shiite members, the troops returned to El-Zakzaky’s residence in Gyallesu area of Zaria, at about 11pm.

It was gathered that moves by the troops to arrest the leader of the movement were resisted by his members.

Residents said heavy gunfire accompanied with chants by members of the movement were heard in the area for over two hours.

There were unconfirmed casualties in the late night attack.

A resident who confirmed the development over the phone said sounds of gunshots were heard around Hussainiyya area of Zaria around midnight yesterday.

Another resident also said Shiite members were seen carrying out solidarity protests around Zango road in Kaduna.

Trouble started about noon on Saturday after several persons were reported killed by soldiers in the clash which occurred at the headquarters of the movement in Zaria, Kaduna State.