Shi’ite members allege plot to repeat Zaria massacre

By Femi Adi/Kaduna

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shi’ite Sect on Wednesday said it has uncovered another plan by the Nigerian army to replicate the gruesome murder it carried out on them in Zaria last December.

According to the group, sources informed the sect members that Katsina and Sokoto have been penciled down for the operation which will occur any moment from now.

In a press statement signed by spokesman of the sect, Ibrahim Musa and made available to P.M.NEWS Wednesday, he said “a reliable source confirmed to us that the Nigerian Army has been uncomfortable with the way the atrocities they committed in Zaria last year is being exposed, drawing sympathy to the Islamic Movement not only in Nigeria but the world over.”

It also attribute these to the activities of members of the Islamic Movement in other centres, especially those in both Katsina and Sokoto.

The statement further reads: “In Zaria, the Nigerian Army attacked under the pretext of road blockage. It is not clear what they will use as an excuse this time in Katsina and Sokoto.

“Since the unfortunate incident in Zaria, peaceful protests have been held in major cities across the country, demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Ibrahim Yaqoub Zakzaky along with other hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement being incarcerated in various detention centres across the country.

“We condemn this newly planned operation, which seems to be in continuation of the one they started in Zaria. It is noteworthy that this is coming especially at a time when the Saudis, well known globally as financiers of ISIS and other terrorists organisations, are conducting a workshop on terrorism in Abuja.”

The Shiite members however pointed out that, “One can see the hidden arms of some Wahabbi elements within the Nigerian Army bent on obliterating the Islamic Movement whose majority members are followers of the Shia school of thought.

“We wish to alert the public that while Nigerian Army is supposed to be a secular army, it has so far acted as an arm of Wahabbis of Saudi Arabia in actions and thoughts. Nigerian government appears to be carrying out foreign policies of some Arab states and this will not augur well for the inter religious harmony that we currently enjoy in the country.”