By Mohammad Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) — Days after a bloody clash between Soldiers and members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria known as shi’ites, in Zaria, three of their members bodies were recovered from a collapsed building belonging to shi’ites at dambo village in the ancient city.
Three more shi’ites were rescued from another collapsed building after spending days under debris.
The clash between the soldiers and shi’ites left scores death and many injured after the sect members blocked the Chief of Army Staff convoy from passing in front of their temple.
The Army during the crisis demolished the sect Temple, Hussainiya, and other structures belonging to shi’ites including their leader’s family house.
In a statement, spokesman to Governor of Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan urged residents of Gyellesu area, where the crisis occurred, to return home.
“Following the clashes between the Nigerian Army and Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s movement, it became clear that a number of buildings and other property had been damaged. The debris at the Husainiyah, in Gyellesu, and other locations constituted a danger to public safety.
“During operations to remove debris at the Husainiyah, two persons were rescued alive after spending three days under the rubble. One person was pulled out alive from the Gyellesu site, while three corpses were recovered at the Dambo village location.
“With the measures taken to search for and to rescue people trapped in the rubble, evacuate corpses and remove dangerous debris, the sites of the clashes are no longer sources of peril to their communities. Residents are assured that they can safely resume their legitimate pursuits,” he said.
According to the statement, relevant agencies are evacuating the debris, removing dangerous materials such as twisted metal and glass shards.
He added that Some of the structures were damaged at the sites of the clashes were deemed to be structurally unsound, and were also subsequently removed.
The Kaduna State Government has issued further assurances that the necessary public safety and security measures have been put in place for their comfort.