Zaria Killings: Sack Buratai Now


Thus, Zackzaky and his members, were well within their constitutional rights, to hold a peaceful procession.
BY EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWADEC 18, 2015

Without any doubt, there is no justification for the cold-blooded murder of members of the Shiite sect of the Zackzacky group, by the Nigerian military. The excuses that we have been fed with so far, is that the sect obstructed the convoy of the chief of army staff, in a location in Zaria. What the chief of army staff was doing in Zaria at that particular time, we have not been told.


Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, grants every Nigerian citizen an unconditional right to freedom of expression, while section 40 grants freedom of association. Thus, Zackzaky and his members, were well within their constitutional rights, to hold a peaceful procession. Since coming into office in May, 2015, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari has instigated and received several processions of sycophants, in his office in Aso Rock, in the usual fashion of chorus singing and solidarity visits and nobody has ever disturbed them.

The relevant law applicable in the Zaria region is the Penal Code and if any member of the Zackzaky sect has breached any portion of that law, he or she should be dealt with according to law, not to be treated as animals or captured slaves, or be subjected to martial law. In this regard, it is totally barbaric and illegal, for the chief of army staff, to mobilize soldiers to invade a civilian territory, kill citizens at will, as if they are animals and then proceed to demolish their houses. In many of the photographs and videos circulating in the social media, Zakzaky himself was shown as having been shot and wounded and then conveyed in a wheelbarrow, by soldiers, thoroughly dehumanized and traumatized, as if he was captured in the course of a war. This is totally unacceptable.

I urge the International Criminal Court to intervene and charge Buratai for crime against humanity. The Buhari administration must stand up to the challenge of defending the Constitution and the lives of every citizen. Thus, every day that Buratai spends in office after the Zaria killings, is an affront to the people of Nigeria. I urge the President as a matter of urgency to quickly relieve Buratai of his position, as his conduct in this case has portrayed him as being totally unfit to occupy any public position of responsibility.

Furthermore, there has been too much military interventions in civilian affairs all over the land lately. In Enugu just yesterday, a group of soldiers opened fire on citizens that were celebrating the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Several other examples abound all over the land. Whereas we laud and appreciate the sacrifices of the military in combating terrorism, especially in the North-East, that should not be a licence for their uncensored brutality, over the same people that they are being paid to protect.

Above all, we demand to see Zackzaky in public, to determine the extent of his injury, to confirm that he is still alive and to be given the opportunity of stating his own side of the story, other than the ones that we have been fed with by the military.

Thank you.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Esq.

http://saharareporters.com/2015/12/18/zaria-killings-sack-buratai-now

While i condemn the action of the army, what were the Shites thinking blocking the army's convoy with cutlass and arrows.

I endorse the write up!

[size=20pt]#FREE SHEIKH ZAKZAKI[/size]


[size=20pt]#SHIITE MUSLIMS ARE NOT TERRORISTS[/size]

Stil studyin d article

politricks:
While i condemn the action of the army, what were the Shites thinking blocking the army's convoy with cutlass and arrows.

Is the punishment for blocking roads death?

The problem is not even the clash on the road. The problem that exposes the army is the attack on the cleric's house and Islamic center after the army chief had passed. Why did the army launch a siege and attack those two places afterwards, in the process killing hundreds of innocent civilians?

Here is an interview of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria spokesman giving his own side of the story on Channels TV:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao-cR7-Pgg4

Rafidi:


Is the punishment for blocking roads death?

The problem is not even the clash on the road. The problem that exposes the army is the attack on the cleric's house and Islamic center after the army chief had passed. Why did the army launch a siege and attack those two places afterwards, in the process killing hundreds of innocent civilians?

Here is an interview of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria giving his own side of the story:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao-cR7-Pgg4

If there was no clash on the road, would there have been such killings?. note, i am not justifying their act.

I fully support this call.


Buratai with his entourage should be sacked prosecuted and jailed for premeditated massacre if found guilty of which I am convinced he is.


I don't care whatever weapon those people were brandishing as long as no rifle was recovered from them, Buratai and his entourage had no right to open fire on them.


To think that the army went back to continue their mindless massacre to the extent of demolishing their base gives credence to the fact that everything was premeditated.


You cannot tell me a few hundred stone carrying, cutlass wielding civilians pose any meaningful immediate threat to dozens of fully armed, well trained Nigerian military officers to the point that it will now warrant mudering over 300 innocent people.


NO matter how good a lawyer is, he can never win a case that involves shooting someone carrying a stone in self defence especially not fully armed Nigerian army.

politricks:
If there was no clash on the road, would there have been such killings?. note, i am not justifying their act.

Listen to the interview. The spokesman claimed there is ulterior motives.

Those revenge attacks are unrelated and criminal. This is not military rule.

Last year, the army shot three sons of Zakzaky and thirty others.

This guy is a fool, so it is constitional to protest with cutlass and other weapons, it is constitional to obstruct the movement of security agencies.
It is constitutional to resist military arrest

IyaIode:
This guy is a fool, so it is constitional to protest with cutlass and other weapons, it is constitional to obstruct the movement of security agencies.
It is constitutional to resist military arrest

Military arrest? in a democracy?

Rafidi:


Is the punishment for blocking roads death?

The problem is not even the clash on the road. The problem that exposes the army is the attack on the cleric's house and Islamic center after the army chief had passed. Why did the army launch a siege and attack those two places afterwards, in the process killing hundreds of innocent civilians?

Here is an interview of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria spokesman giving his own side of the story on Channels TV:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao-cR7-Pgg4

Many Nigerians don't even know that the Army went back to attack them after they had passed

olabukola:
Military arrest? in a democracy?

In a country at war

IyaIode:

In a country at war

Ok Nigeria is at war, with which country pls. Remember this thing you called war did not start 7 months ago but all those while Military are not brutally killing and burying as they are doing now. We need to be careful of what we wish for.
After the fracas at the road why going to his house again?

IyaIode:

In a country at war

Which war? Is there war in Zaria? Is Shiite Movement at war with Nigeria? Is there State of Emergency in Zaria or Kaduna state? Which war?

The action of bloodthirsty Buratai must be condemned.

politricks:
If there was no clash on the road, would there have been such killings?. note, i am not justifying their act.

Please watch the video you will be amazed at the level of impunity and contempt the group have for authority in this country. Even their worship centre according to the kaduna state govt was built without permit despite warnings from the govt then they ignored it and carried on. The sad thing is that the group is armed and let's note the group doesn't in anyway represent shias in Nigeria. The good thing is that the kaduna state govt have ordered a judicial inquiry into the incidence. When you watch the video you will almost think you are watching miscreants or street urchins rather than a peaceful group of people who are practicing their religion.

olabukola:
Military arrest? in a democracy?

So if a military officer come across an armed robber breaking the law with no police in sight he should just walk away?

IyaIode:
In a country at war

Has it been made official that we are at war?
Is there a presidential pronouncement to that effect?

Even though the army's use of force was excessive but the Shiites action was uncalled for. Buratai was in Zaria for POP in the army barracks which is not far from the location where they were holding their religious procession. The whole thing could have been avoided had the Shiites realized that they were not above the law. The Shiites don't have an iota of respect for constituted authorities.

olabukola:
Ok Nigeria is at war, with which country pls. Remember this thing you called war did not start 7 months ago but all those while Military are not brutally killing and burying as they are doing now. We need to be careful of what we wish for.
After the fracas at the road why going to his house again?

Did the military not kill 3 of son and followers last year over this same road blocks

jomoh:


Has it been made official that we are at war?
Is there a presidential pronouncement to that effect?

I didnt know we are in jaboree times especially in the north

.

[s]

Lordave:
Are you a shitte to say they don't represent Shias in Nigeria?

This is how you guys went about denying Boko Haram are muslims, yet they recite your holy book and shout Allahu Akbar before decapitating their victims.

[/s]

Smh

TonyeBarcanista:

Which war? Is there war in Zaria? Is Shiite Movement at war with Nigeria? Is there State of Emergency in Zaria or Kaduna state? Which war?

The action of bloodthirsty Buratai must be condemned.

ON THE CLASH BETWEEN THE ARMY AND SHIITES:
Text of State broadcast by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, on the recent security issues in Zaria; 17
December 2015
Dear People of Kaduna State,
We have witnessed sad events in Zaria and a part of Kaduna metropolis over the last few days. As your Governor, it is my duty to address you on the incidents, and explain the events that preceded the tragedy of last weekend. We shall
also outline how we intend to prevent a recurrence.
As you are aware, military operations have taken place in
Zaria between Saturday, 12 December and Monday, 14
December 2015. There have been tragic consequences and
needless loss of lives, and we extend our condolences to the
families that have been affected. In this sombre moment,
we have also directed that steps be taken to address the
humanitarian fallouts of the operations. The State
Government is carrying out after action review of the theatre
of operations with a view to compensating those whose
vehicles, real property and other assets were damaged as a
result.
The Kaduna State Government has been informed that on
Saturday, 12 December 2015, the convoy of the Chief of
Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, reported an ambush
and attempted assassination at a roadblock mounted by
members of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky's Islamic Movement
of Nigeria. Clashes broke out as soldiers mounted
operations to repel the attack, remove the obstruction to a
major public highway, and to contain and arrest the
perpetrators. When the security agencies sent reports of the
clash to me a little after 3pm on that day, I initiated steps
that I thought could calm the situation. I called Sheikh
Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on the phone to get his side of the story,
and thereafter visited Zaria for on-the-spot briefing and
assessment and visited the Chief of Army Staff.
The army and the police have since addressed the press on
the security operations and the aftermath. We have also
seen video clips aired on national television and online to
show the extent to which the Nigerian Army tried to reason
with the persons that were intent on obstructing a public
highway without any justification. The avoidable weekend
tragedy in Zaria has a background based on information
available to the Kaduna State Government.
What the Kaduna State Government has learnt
Based on reports from government organs and security
agencies, we have learnt the following:
• There had been tension in parts of Zaria since Thursday,
10 December 2015, when members of the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria were alleged to have attacked Gabari,
a community on the outskirts of Zaria, in continuation of a
dispute over a mosque. Like the previous attack, this
second assault on Gabari also took three lives. The alleged
bone of contention was that the El-Zakzaky movement
wanted to take over a mosque they did not build in Gabari.
The mosque had been sealed by the authorities following the
collapse of the arrangements that had enabled various sects
to amicably share its usage.
• In the last two weeks, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has
also illegally occupied federal roads. Over a period of four
days, they took over one side of the federal expressway
between Kaduna and Zaria, and the roads to Kano and
Katsina. They entered schools along these routes, using
them as rest and recreation points without notice or
permission or any concern about the disruption of academic activities.
• The Husainiyah building, the headquarters of the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria, was put up without statutory title to
the land, and in outright defiance of a stop-work notice
issued by KASUPDA in 2010. When KASUPDA followed up
with a demolition notice in the same year, the then
authorities chose to look the other way, and allowed the sect
to complete a building that had neither title nor planning
approval, and which the appropriate agency had determined
was in violation of planning and development regulations.
• The successful completion of this illegal building on a
major road subsequently led to a pattern of inconveniences
being inflicted on members of the general public. There
were various reports and complaints that the sect was
harassing members of the public, and inflicting hardship on
commuters. At their headquarters and in other areas where
Zakzaky’s movement had structures, they had tried to
forcibly acquire the property of their neighbours; this is
apart from subjecting residents to an illegal curfew.
• Government also received reports that the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria acted like a parallel state, with total
disdain for the formal structures of the Nigerian government
and little regard for the rights of non-members. Whenever
community, traditional or political leaders invite the sect to
dispute resolution meetings, they often declined the
invitations. In addition, members of the movement are
alleged to openly carry and use offensive weapons.
• Following the Zaria incident, Shiite members of the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria have tried to upset the peace in parts
of Kaduna. The security forces have responded firmly to the
situation in the Tudun Wada area of Kaduna Metropolis.
Violent actions by sect members on Tuesday, 15 December
2016, included the use of Molotov cocktails and petrol
bombs against the security forces.
Judicial Commission of Inquiry to be established
As the security operations in Zaria are wound-down, the
Kaduna State Government is persuaded that it is vital, for
reasons of accountability and transparency, that a factual
and authoritative account of the events be painstakingly
assembled. The Kaduna State Government has therefore
decided that under the powers conferred on me by the
Tribunals of Inquiry Act, a Judicial Commission of Inquiry
will be established to examine the remote and immediate
causes of the Zaria incident. This inquiry will be open and
will enable all allegations and claims to be tested with
judicial rigour. The government will act promptly on the
conclusions of the inquiry, and forward recommendations
requiring action by the Federal Government to Mr.
President. Details of the composition and terms of reference
of the judicial commission of inquiry would be made public
within the next two weeks.
Commitment to security and constitutional rights
In the meantime, Government reiterates that it cannot permit
an escalation of lawlessness. Therefore, civil security
patrols, supported by the military when necessary, will
continue to enable the state to maintain order, reassure
residents and keep the peace. Our government continues to
invest heavily in security as a foundation for the successful
execution of our economic and social agenda to develop
Kaduna State.
Fellow citizens, Kaduna State has witnessed too many
upheavals in its recent history. These tragedies have taken
too many lives, maimed people, destroyed communities and
hurt development. We all should jointly say no to actions
that divide people, reject conduct that ignores or violates the
legal and constitutional rights of others and oppose
practices that contest the prerogatives of state institutions
to safeguard and protect every citizen.
Everyone has a fundamental right to their faiths and beliefs,
but no one has any right to practise their faith in ways that
diminish, distress or inconvenience others. And no one can
be allowed to justify unlawful and anti-social behaviour on
the grounds of religion. Only conduct that conforms to the
Constitution and the laws of the country is valid, and it is the
duty of the state to vigorously enforce that. No responsible
leader or institution should teach their followers differently.
Henceforth, no person or group, under any guise will be
allowed to block any road, obstruct public highways, occupy
public facilities or inconvenience citizens in Kaduna State.
Anybody that needs to march may do so, but they cannot
take over public facilities or disrupt social services and
commercial activities in Kaduna State, and any march or
procession can be undertaken only with the prior knowledge
of, and protection of the police to prevent the breakdown of
law and order.
The Government wishes to assure every resident of Kaduna
State that it is committed to fostering harmony, maintaining
law and order and keeping the peace. Our Constitution
rightly protects the freedom of worship, as well as the right
to liberty, security and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone is
entitled to these rights equally. We swore to uphold the
Constitution, and our commitment to these values is
unwavering. We will similarly protect these rights evenly.
We urge all citizens to be vigilant as they go about their
normal activities, and to report any suspicions or concerns
to the appropriate authorities. Let us all redouble our
commitment to sustaining the peace, and to uphold each
other in our God-given humanity.
While the crisis raged, the Kaduna State Government visited
Zaria, and issued appeals for calm and peace. We have
taken our time to make this formal broadcast due to the
imperative to gather as much information as possible
amidst the welter of conflicting claims, the urgency of
restoring peace and the need to consult with the federal
authorities.
God bless Kaduna State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
May the souls of the departed find peace
May the Almighty God Restore and Preserve Peace

Rafidi:


Listen to the interview. The spokesman claimed there is ulterior motives.

Those revenge attacks are unrelated and criminal. This is not military rule.

Last year, the army shot three sons of Zakzaky and thirty others.

this is Kaduna state security report about the group


" ON THE CLASH BETWEEN THE ARMY AND SHIITES:
Text of State broadcast by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, on the recent security issues in Zaria; 17
December 2015
Dear People of Kaduna State,
We have witnessed sad events in Zaria and a part of Kaduna metropolis over the last few days. As your Governor, it is my duty to address you on the incidents, and explain the events that preceded the tragedy of last weekend. We shall
also outline how we intend to prevent a recurrence.
As you are aware, military operations have taken place in
Zaria between Saturday, 12 December and Monday, 14
December 2015. There have been tragic consequences and
needless loss of lives, and we extend our condolences to the
families that have been affected. In this sombre moment,
we have also directed that steps be taken to address the
humanitarian fallouts of the operations. The State
Government is carrying out after action review of the theatre
of operations with a view to compensating those whose
vehicles, real property and other assets were damaged as a
result.
The Kaduna State Government has been informed that on
Saturday, 12 December 2015, the convoy of the Chief of
Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, reported an ambush
and attempted assassination at a roadblock mounted by
members of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky's Islamic Movement
of Nigeria. Clashes broke out as soldiers mounted
operations to repel the attack, remove the obstruction to a
major public highway, and to contain and arrest the
perpetrators. When the security agencies sent reports of the
clash to me a little after 3pm on that day, I initiated steps
that I thought could calm the situation. I called Sheikh
Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on the phone to get his side of the story,
and thereafter visited Zaria for on-the-spot briefing and
assessment and visited the Chief of Army Staff.
The army and the police have since addressed the press on
the security operations and the aftermath. We have also
seen video clips aired on national television and online to
show the extent to which the Nigerian Army tried to reason
with the persons that were intent on obstructing a public
highway without any justification. The avoidable weekend
tragedy in Zaria has a background based on information
available to the Kaduna State Government.
What the Kaduna State Government has learnt
Based on reports from government organs and security
agencies, we have learnt the following:
• There had been tension in parts of Zaria since Thursday,
10 December 2015, when members of the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria were alleged to have attacked Gabari,
a community on the outskirts of Zaria, in continuation of a
dispute over a mosque. Like the previous attack, this
second assault on Gabari also took three lives. The alleged
bone of contention was that the El-Zakzaky movement
wanted to take over a mosque they did not build in Gabari.
The mosque had been sealed by the authorities following the
collapse of the arrangements that had enabled various sects
to amicably share its usage.
• In the last two weeks, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has
also illegally occupied federal roads. Over a period of four
days, they took over one side of the federal expressway
between Kaduna and Zaria, and the roads to Kano and
Katsina. They entered schools along these routes, using
them as rest and recreation points without notice or
permission or any concern about the disruption of academic activities.
• The Husainiyah building, the headquarters of the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria, was put up without statutory title to
the land, and in outright defiance of a stop-work notice
issued by KASUPDA in 2010. When KASUPDA followed up
with a demolition notice in the same year, the then
authorities chose to look the other way, and allowed the sect
to complete a building that had neither title nor planning
approval, and which the appropriate agency had determined
was in violation of planning and development regulations.
• The successful completion of this illegal building on a
major road subsequently led to a pattern of inconveniences
being inflicted on members of the general public. There
were various reports and complaints that the sect was
harassing members of the public, and inflicting hardship on
commuters. At their headquarters and in other areas where
Zakzaky’s movement had structures, they had tried to
forcibly acquire the property of their neighbours; this is
apart from subjecting residents to an illegal curfew.
• Government also received reports that the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria acted like a parallel state, with total
disdain for the formal structures of the Nigerian government
and little regard for the rights of non-members. Whenever
community, traditional or political leaders invite the sect to
dispute resolution meetings, they often declined the
invitations. In addition, members of the movement are
alleged to openly carry and use offensive weapons.
• Following the Zaria incident, Shiite members of the Islamic
Movement of Nigeria have tried to upset the peace in parts
of Kaduna. The security forces have responded firmly to the
situation in the Tudun Wada area of Kaduna Metropolis.
Violent actions by sect members on Tuesday, 15 December
2016, included the use of Molotov cocktails and petrol
bombs against the security forces.
Judicial Commission of Inquiry to be established
As the security operations in Zaria are wound-down, the
Kaduna State Government is persuaded that it is vital, for
reasons of accountability and transparency, that a factual
and authoritative account of the events be painstakingly
assembled. The Kaduna State Government has therefore
decided that under the powers conferred on me by the
Tribunals of Inquiry Act, a Judicial Commission of Inquiry
will be established to examine the remote and immediate
causes of the Zaria incident. This inquiry will be open and
will enable all allegations and claims to be tested with
judicial rigour. The government will act promptly on the
conclusions of the inquiry, and forward recommendations
requiring action by the Federal Government to Mr.
President. Details of the composition and terms of reference
of the judicial commission of inquiry would be made public
within the next two weeks.
Commitment to security and constitutional rights
In the meantime, Government reiterates that it cannot permit
an escalation of lawlessness. Therefore, civil security
patrols, supported by the military when necessary, will
continue to enable the state to maintain order, reassure
residents and keep the peace. Our government continues to
invest heavily in security as a foundation for the successful
execution of our economic and social agenda to develop
Kaduna State.
Fellow citizens, Kaduna State has witnessed too many
upheavals in its recent history. These tragedies have taken
too many lives, maimed people, destroyed communities and
hurt development. We all should jointly say no to actions
that divide people, reject conduct that ignores or violates the
legal and constitutional rights of others and oppose
practices that contest the prerogatives of state institutions
to safeguard and protect every citizen.
Everyone has a fundamental right to their faiths and beliefs,
but no one has any right to practise their faith in ways that
diminish, distress or inconvenience others. And no one can
be allowed to justify unlawful and anti-social behaviour on
the grounds of religion. Only conduct that conforms to the
Constitution and the laws of the country is valid, and it is the
duty of the state to vigorously enforce that. No responsible
leader or institution should teach their followers differently.
Henceforth, no person or group, under any guise will be
allowed to block any road, obstruct public highways, occupy
public facilities or inconvenience citizens in Kaduna State.
Anybody that needs to march may do so, but they cannot
take over public facilities or disrupt social services and
commercial activities in Kaduna State, and any march or
procession can be undertaken only with the prior knowledge
of, and protection of the police to prevent the breakdown of
law and order.
The Government wishes to assure every resident of Kaduna
State that it is committed to fostering harmony, maintaining
law and order and keeping the peace. Our Constitution
rightly protects the freedom of worship, as well as the right
to liberty, security and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone is
entitled to these rights equally. We swore to uphold the
Constitution, and our commitment to these values is
unwavering. We will similarly protect these rights evenly.
We urge all citizens to be vigilant as they go about their
normal activities, and to report any suspicions or concerns
to the appropriate authorities. Let us all redouble our
commitment to sustaining the peace, and to uphold each
other in our God-given humanity.
While the crisis raged, the Kaduna State Government visited
Zaria, and issued appeals for calm and peace. We have
taken our time to make this formal broadcast due to the
imperative to gather as much information as possible
amidst the welter of conflicting claims, the urgency of
restoring peace and the need to consult with the federal
authorities.
God bless Kaduna State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
May the souls of the departed find peace
May the Almighty God Restore and Preserve Peace

IyaIode:

I didnt know we are in jaboree times especially in the north

Madam don't be ignorant. Wars are declared and not assumed.

Even if we are in war times. There is what is called rules of engagement like

You don't harm armless civilians
You don't arm women and children
Analyse the threat before engaging them in shootout.


To mention that the army went back to continue their killing and to demolish the site. Now tell me if that is not unnecessary show of strength and aggression.

Learn to criticize constructively and not spewing trash all the time.. How can a bunch of civilians armed with cutlasses and molotov cocktails turn back the chief of army staff from accessing a road withing the boundaries of the federal republic of nigeria, what message do you think would be sent to other notorious group out there wanting to cause problems

IyaIode:

Did the military not kill 3 of son and followers last year over this same road blocks

..........