Tension in Kaduna as Shiites protest

 There was palpable tension in Kaduna yesterday, following a clash between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ite, and security operatives in Tudun Wada area of the metropolis.

Our correspondent observed that shops, banks and markets were hurriedly closed as the news filtered into the State at about 12 noon that the Muslim sect and security operatives were allegedly engaging each other in gunshots.

An eye witness account said the Shiite sect were preparing for a protest against the arrest of their leader Sheik Ibraheem El zakzaky by the military when police operatives swooped on them to disperse the crowd in Tudun Wada area.
They were said to have regrouped at Tudun Nupawa area of the city, where many of the sect members were said to have engaged the police in a shoot-out, leading to injuries on both sides.
However, the sect in a statement made available to newsmen by its media spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, said, “The mobile police unit (MOPOL) attacked a peaceful protest staged by the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Kaduna, killing 3 people on the spot, with many receiving gunshot injuries”.
This was happening as the Minister of interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau led the Federal Government delegation to Kaduna State to see things for themselves.
The Minister also held a closed door meeting with the state Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai on the development in the state before proceeding to Zaria to ascertain what really transpired between the sect and the soldiers.
Danbazau told reporters at Kaduna government house, “I came to Kaduna to see the situation of things and I decided to see the Chief Security officer of the state. I am on my way to Zaria to see the situation of things”.
The Sect statement said,”As usual with such protest conducted by the Muslim brothers, it started peacefully from Layin kosai area of Tudun Wada Kaduna, however when it reached Tudun Nupawa near Enugu road, MOPOL, in about 5 vehicles opened fire on the protesters.
“The main aim and slogans of the protesters was “Release Sheikh Zakzaky!” “Enough is Enough!”

“The protesters were dispersed by the police by their sporadic shootings. However about 9 police vehicles moved to Tudun wada where the Markaz (Islamic Cenre) of the muslim brothers is situated and opened fire there.
“As if in continuation of what the Army started in Zaria over the weekend.Report reaching us said many were killed or wounded also.
said similar protests were held in Bauchi, Gombe, Kano and Gusau, and they all ended peacefully, becouse no police were ordered to shoot the protesters.

“The question is who are those in authority that are bent on creating chaos in Kaduna through such brutal attacks on ordinary unarmed people.”