Atiku Calls For Full Investigation Over Soldiers / Shiites Clash
Three days after some Nigerian soldiers clashed with members of Shiite Islamic group in Zaria, Kaduna state, northern Nigeria, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has spoken out on the tragic incident that claimed lives.
According Atiku, the Nigerian military authorities should set up a thorough investigation panel to probe the alleged shooting of protesting followers of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.
The former Vice President of Olusegun Obasanjo's Administration in 1999 made the call on Saturday, 26 July, 2014, through his Twitter handle @atiku. Expressing shock over the incident Atiku stated that he was “deeply disturbed”.
* Former Nigeria Vice President Atiku Abubakar
Atiku also charged Nigerian religious leaders to preach calm and restrain their followers from taking laws into their hands.
He tweeted: “I am deeply disturbed by the fatal shooting of protesters in Zaria.
* Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky
“I have always advocated restraint in dealing with dissidents be they political or religious.
“The incident needs to be thoroughly investigated by the authorities in order to restore calm and public trust in law enforcement.”
* A Shiite lady hit by a bullet. Photo credit - Islamic Movement of Nigeria
The former Adamawa state governor added: “Our law enforcement agents must be careful to not alienate the people, who are partners in our search for peace and progress.
“It is also important that religious leaders preach calm and restrain their followers from activities which disturb the peace.”
* Nigerian Shiite Muslims
It would be recalled that some soldiers clashed with followers of El-Zakzaky, who is the leader of Shiite Islamic group in Zaria, on Thursday, 25 July, 2014. Reports stated that the fierce battle led to the death of three of El-Zakzaky's sons and nine others. Later the number of casualties has reportedly increased up to 30 people.
Below is Atiku's tweets:
Source: Legit.ng