Tension in Kaduna as Shiites members protest

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Protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria against the arrest of the group’s leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and the killing of several of its members have led to tension in Kaduna.

Sources in Kaduna, the state capital, said many residents had to rush back home from work after receiving reports that members of the group were planning protests.

Our correspondent observed that several roads in the state capital were deserted as residents stayed indoors to avoid getting caught up in the protest.

The protest was said to have been staged in the Tudun Wada area of the state capital, but residents in other areas who had witnessed religious conflict in the past chose not to take chances.

“Because of how the state has been, people are being extra careful in case there is anything,” a resident, who did not want to be named, said.

“People kept receiving calls that something was happening in town. So, we decided to go home. As a result there was plenty traffic because people were running home.”

Members of the sect have staged protests in Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna following the clash with the Nigeria Army on Saturday and Sundaythat resulted in the death of several of its members, including Sayyid, one of the sons of El-Zakzaky.

The deputy leader of the sect, Sheikh Turi Mohammed, and the spokesperson, Ibrahim Usman were also killed in the conflict.

While the sect denied provoking the army, the army has said it shot at the members after they attacked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Source: Punch