El-Zakzaky alleges attack on his convoy by armed soldiers

THE leader of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiites Islamic sect, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has alleged an attack by armed soldiers on his convoy at the weekend. He also accused the military of trailing his movement.

A statement by El-Zakzaky’s Media Officer, Mallam Ibrahim Usman, stated that, “Soldiers attacked Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky’s convoy in Abuja. Heavily armed soldiers today (Sunday), July 26, 2015 attacked the convoy of leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky on entry into Abuja.”

According to the Islamic cleric, “an unidentified Hilux van parked by the road side at Jere Kagoro Junction started trailing the Sheikh’s convoy on entry, while another tried to stage an ambush at the front, but was overtaken by the convoy.

“The vehicle engaged the convoy in a senseless race, specifically aiming at the car in which Sheikh Zakzaky was seated, up to the check point at the War College at Bwari. At the checkpoint, the soldiers who were already on full alert took strategic position with guns and demanded that all occupants of the vehicles step out and be checked.

“When the head of the convoy demanded identification and what their mission was, the already charged soldiers would not listen despite several attempts to dialogue, they threatened to shoot. When all appeal to sensibility failed, The Sheikh’s convoy proceeded; it was vigorously pursued by the combined reinforcement of armed soldiers threatening to shoot.

“Not satisfied, the soldiers reinforced and intercepted the Sheikh’s convoy again but were dodged, while some cars were badly damaged. At the Sheraton junction, they tried to erect another checkpoint, which failed. We wonder what the mission of these armed soldier was, and on whose orders they acted.”

El-Zakzaky argued that, “the unprovoked action of the soldiers is laced with insidious intent capable of disrupting the peace, and an insult on a man of God whose peaceful conduct was testified to and acclaimed the world over.

ikh’s sons during the International Quds Day peaceful procession, called for intense caution.

“Once bitten, twice shy, we will not to be intimated. While we strongly condemn the acts as barbaric, uncouth and uncivilized, we call on all peace lovers to condemn this action on innocent citizens.

“We cannot also succumb to pressure and unreasonable scrutiny from the same soldiers that have been after the life of our revered Sheikh daily since after the killing of his three children and followers.

“As a lawful citizen, Sheikh Zakzaky has all the rights and privileges to move about with his people anywhere and conduct his activities without the slightest interrogation or hindrance. Followers of the Sheikh also have the right to give him maximum protection to best of their ability.”