Tension Grips Kaduna, Kano Over Arrest of Shiites Leader, Elzakzaky

 

Palpable tension has taken over Kaduna and Kano following the alleged arrest on Sunday by the Nigerian Army of the spiritual leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Elzakzaky, whose members were alleged to have attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, in Zaria on Saturday, a ThisDay report has shown.

Although the Nigerian Army refused to speak on record on Sunday, the report shows, however that in the process of arresting the sect leader, dozens of people, including his son, Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky, and his wife, Malama Zeenat Ibraheem, were allegedly killed.

Elzakzaky's Gyellesu residence and the Hussainiyya Headquarters of the sect, located along Sokoto Road, Zaria, were also said to have been demolished by the army.

As fears mount that the sect’s members might react in the populous cities of Kaduna and Kano, the Nigerian Army has warned the religious movement and any other groups, to desist from disruption of peace, law and order in any part of the country.

The warning was contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who expressed regret at the loss of lives during the clash on Saturday between soldiers and members of the sect.

The Army has further stated that "as soon as order is restored to the situation in Zaria City and its environs, the Police would conduct an enquiry and the public will be informed."