Islamic Shiite sect denies trying to assassinate chief of army staff Gen Buratai in Zaria

NIGERIA'S Islamic Shiite sect has denied attempting to assassinate chief of army staff Lt General Tukur Buratai claiming that stories it was involved in an exchange of gunfire with soldiers in Zaria yesterday are untrue.

 

Yesterday, the Nigerian Army claimed that General Buratai narrowly escaped an attempt on his life when members of the Shiite Islamic sect attacked his convoy in Zaria in Kaduna State. According to the army, the attack, which was repelled by his security detail, may have left at least three people dead with over 20 others injured.

 

Director of army public relations Col Sani Usman, said: "The Shiite sect on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim Alzakzaky , attacked the convoy of the chief of army staff while on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and attend the passing out parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot, Nigerian Army, Zaria. Members of the sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres.

 

"They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects. The barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the chief of army staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as the special guest of honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicised."

 

However, in a swift rebuttal, the Shiite sect has described the assassination attempt by its members as a blatant lie. Sect spokesman Isak K, claimed that members of the movement were unarmed and had gathered for a ceremony at their Hussainiyyah base to change the flag on the dome of the building to herald the beginning of the month of Rabiul /Auwal, the birth month of Prophet Muhammad when the incident happened.

 

 He added: “Any excuse given by the military as reason for besieging Hussainiyyah and firing for hours, leading to the death of yet to be specified number of people, is considered a lie of the decade.”

 

However, according Col Usman, the troops responsible for the safety and security of the chief of army staff on hearing an explosion and firing were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law abiding citizens. He implored all Nigerians to continue to be law abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life, freedom of movement and passage.