By Mohammad Ibrahim,
Kaduna (Nigeria) — After killing hundreds of shi’ites members in Zaria, northern Nigeria, the Army is saying there is no apology for its action.
According to the military authority, Nigerian Army will not apologise to any group that threatened the peace and security of the land.
The leader of the shiite sect in the country, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky was seriously injured before taken into custody by the Military on 13th of December 2015.
The clash between the solders and members of the Sect followed the blockage of road by sect members, preventing the convoy of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Burutai from passing infront of their temple in Zaria city.
The soldiers were accused of using exercisive force in the fracas, while the soldiers said they carryout the operations because they received an interligent report of the possibility of the shi’ite regrouping to stage an attack.
Addressing newsmen in Kaduna General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade warned that the military will not telorate any group to create a state within nigeria.
He explained any body, or group found guilty of planning to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the country, Kaduna in particular will be dealt with squarely
“We make no apologies to any group that threatens the peace and security of the land and will not hesitate to put such group to check.
“Nigeria Army has no issue with the Shi’ite group which is like any other group in the land. But if any group chose not to obey the law of the land or challenge the authority, it means that that group does not value the sanctity of life and integrity of the land..
“our rule of engagement is to address any threat before it becomes a full blown challenge, and any group that chose to be violent in nature. Must be dealth with squarely.” He said.
The GOC said the “assisination attempt on the head of the army was more of an attempt on the president, saying army has no option but to defend themselves.
Major General Oyebade also debunked allegations by the Sister forum of the group that soldiers raped shi’ites women before killing them describing it as untrue.
The GOC however vowed to deal decisively with any group who under any guise, through its actions or activities threaten the peace, security and integrity of the nation.
On the whereabout of the sect leader, the GOC informed that, “El-Zakzaky is safe, secured and undergoing sound medical care, every other detainee has been handed over to the appropriate security agency of government, no detainee is presently with the military” he stated.
General Oyebade while talking about Army operations within last year said over 21 Boko Haram sect members have been arrested at various locations within the north west zone.
He equally said over 37,000 various types of animals have been recovered, while no fewer than 294 cattle rustlers and kidnappers were arrested and handed over to the police in various states for prosecution.
