NIGERIAN ARMY AND SHIITE MUSLIM SECT TRADE WORDS OVER ALLEGED ATTACK ON CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF’S CONVOY IN KADUNA STATE.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman say the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, escaped assassination attempt yesterday, (Saturday) when the Muslim Shiites sect, allegedly attacked his convoy in Zaria, Kaduna state.

Colnel Usman said the sect’s leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky ordered his sect members to attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, enroute the palace of the Emir of Zazzau and the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

The Army spokesman said the sect barricaded the roads with heavy stones, bonfires and tyres; and refused several pleas to disperse. The Army added that the members pelted and fired dangerous objects at Buratai’s convoy, compelling his security details to defend their boss.  The official casualty figure was not available at the time of this report but witnesses said not less than five people died in the gunfire.

However, a statement by the Shiite Muslim sect’s spokesman, Ibrahim Usman, denied reports that the members attacked the Chief of Army Staff. The group said the sect members were hoisting the sect’s flag at the PZ area of Zaria, to usher in the month of Rabi’ul Awal when the soldiers opened fire on them. Security has been strengthened in the area to avoid a backlash.