NEWS: Zaria Clash: Law And Order Must Prevail – Army

The Army has described the Saturday clash with the followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El Zak-Zaky, suspected to be members of the Shiite Sect in Zaria as ‘most unfortunate’ and called for the observation of the rule of law in the use of highway.

The clash which led to the demise of some nine people suspected to be members of the sect has become a subject of controversy as both parties disagree on what was responsible.

But in a statement issued and signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman threatened not to tolerate any daring attempt to repeat such an unlawful act by any group of people.

According to the Army, “The 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”.