Thursday, 7 January 2016

Army: No apologies over clash with Shi'ite sect members



The Nigerian Army has said it has no apology over the clash between its soldiers and members of the Shiites group in Zaria. It said it owed no apology to any group that threatened the peace and security of the land.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, stated, “we make no apologies to any group that threatens the peace and security of the land and will not hesitate to put such group in check.

“Nigerian Army has no issue with the Shi’ite group which is like any other group in the land. But if any group chose not to obey the law of the land or challenge the authority, it means that the group does not value the sanctity of life and integrity of the land.”

He made it clear that the Army had to defend itself after the sect decided to carry out a wave attack on the troops.

He further stated that the clash could have been avoided and that any group that decided to be violent must be dealt with squarely. He added that the sect leader El Zakzaky was safe, secure and was receiving sound medical care while other detainees have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies of government.

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