In an apparent reference to the widely reported assassination attempt on Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai in Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday leading to a clash between Shiite Muslims and the army with several sect members feared dead from shots fired by the soldiers, Col. Sani Usman has explained that some suspected members of the sect attempted to attack the COAS’s convoy.
Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations said the sect members wielding dangerous weapons, obstructed the main road with stones and tyres and threw their stones and other dangerous objects at the convoy of the COAS, but Buratai escaped unhurt.
He was silent about whether or not soldiers guarding Buratai fired live ammunitions at the Shiite Muslims and how many were killed or wounded.
In a statement in Abuja, Usman said that the group struck in the afternoon when the COAS went to pay homage to the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris and also to attend the passing out parade of 73 Regular Recruits intake of Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.
Usman said: “We wish to implore all Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life and freedom of movement.’’
-NAN
