Killing of Shiite members by Army, dangerous – Fani-Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has condemned the alleged killings of some members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, during a clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the sect in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday.

A statement by the Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, had alleged that the Shiite members barricaded the road Mr. Buratai’s motorcade was passing to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau, and also attend a review parade by 73 Regular Recruit Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.

Sani said the sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres, adding that they refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects.

He said the barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate Buratai and members of his entourage.

But in a swift counter-reaction, the El-zakzaky-led Shiite sect, said the Army spokesperson was lying.

A statement signed by Isak K and posted on the website of the sect, said the claim that the COAS “narrowly escaped assassination as a result of attack from Muslim brothers and Sisters of the Islamic Movement is a blatant lie.”

The statement said Mr. Usman’s claim “raises series of questions in the mind of right thinking people.”

According to Isak, members of the movement who were unarmed were gathered for a ceremony at their Husainiyyah 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 the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad.

“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,” the movement said.

However, the invasion of El-zakzaky’s home by unspecified number of soldiers, Sunday, reportedly led to the death of no fewer than 20 members of the sect, including his son and wife.

Reacting however, Fani-Kayode in a Tweet, via his handle, @realFFK said: “The cold-blooded murder of 20 of the supporters of the Shia muslim leader, Ibrahim Elzakzaky by the Army today is condemnable and dangerous.”