According to the official statement, made by Colonel Sani Usman, the director of army public relations, the attack took place while Buratai was 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 in Zaria. “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 Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicized. “The troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff on hearing 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. This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct,” the statement read in part. Usman stressed that such kind of behaviour would not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself. Speaking with Premium Times, a resident of the area, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said that a truckload of soldiers came to the Husainiya area and surrounded it. “All of a sudden we heard gun shots and many people died.” “The soldiers are still there and they have evacuated some of the corpses while others were taken by the site members.” Another witness said: “The soldiers have killed many people here, possibly up to 20. The leader of the sect, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is leaving his home to where the soldiers are. He is saying he does not care if he is killed too.”
About Unknown
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Your Comment have been submited and will be Visible after Approval