Zaria indigenes testify against El-Zakzakky and Shiite sect

In a new twist in the ongoing judicial inquiry over the clash between soldiers and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, some indigenes of Zaria, under the umbrella of Zazzau Emirate Development Association (ZEDA) yesterday testified against the Shiite sect. 

The judicial commission of inquiry headed by Justice Mohammad Lawal Garba is investigating the clash between soldiers and the group.

The association stated categorically that the movement has been terrorising the emirate for many years.

Alhaji Mohammed Balarabe, who is the Spokesman of ZEDA, appeared before the commission in Kaduna and said it was time to expose the atrocities committed by the group.

Balarabe said the movement harassed the citizens and shut down roads, preventing pedestrian and vehicular movement while holding their processions.

He added that there had been previous clashes involving the members of movement and the incident with the Nigerian Army on December 12, 2015 was not the first of such. 

Balarabe said the group had encounters with the Emir of Zaria, Alhaji Shehu Idris and former governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero in the past. 

According to him: “We are familiar with the activities of the movement for about 20 years of its existence. And as someone who schooled in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, we are witnesses to these issues.”

“Whenever they are having their procession we stay indoor to avoid confrontation with them,” Balarabe stated.