Shi’ites block highway as panel releases report of Army clash

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, the body of Nigerian Shi’ites on Friday blocked the Zaria-Kaduna expressway in protest demanding the release of its leader Ibrahim El Zakzaky.

According to reports, “thousands” of Shiites blocked the expressway refusing road users access and refusing to leave, not until security operatives were deployed to the scene.
This is coming the same day the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the December 12, 2015 clash between soldiers and members of the group in Zaria,submitted its final report to the Kaduna State State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

A spokesperson for the Shi’ites, Musa Ibrahim, who confirmed the incident said he received report that some of his members embarked on procession to demand for the release of their leader but were attacked by thugs.

He said, “A report just reached my desk that some of our members embarked on peaceful procession today. But they were attacked by thugs at Maraban Jos (along Kaduna-Zaria expressway.”

Read also: Kaduna govt asks court to sentence 50 Shi’ites to death

Ibrahim who said he was informed that the police intervened in the fight added, “but I don’t know whether there is casualty”.

El Zakzaky, the leader of the group has been in detention since December 2015. He was arrested after his Shi’a members clashed with troops of the Nigerian army, a scenario that reportedly claimed at least, the lives of over 300 of the group.

The army which refuted the attack, allegedly buried the victims secretly in a mass grave in Kaduna.
The army only admitted using force, claiming that the Shiites blocked the road in an attempt to assassinate its chief, Tukur Buratai, a Lieutenant General.
Ebere Ndukwu …

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