Army Warns Shiite, Other Groups Against Disruption of Law And Order

Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman

Police to investigate incident

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has, against the backdrop of the deadly confrontation with Shiite Islamic sect in Zaria on Saturday that left some people dead, warned the religious movement and any other groups, to desist from disruption of peace, law and order in any parts of the country.

This warning was issued in a statement signed on Sunday by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, who advised those engaged in the act to stop.

Usman however expressed regret at the loss of lives as a result of the clash and emphasised that our constitution guarantee lawful protests and procession as long as it does not impinge on the rights of others.

He said: "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.