Army vs Shiite: Shame That Army Declared War Against Unarmed Citizens – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has described as shameful and unacceptable for the Nigeria Army to declare war against unarmed citizens in reaction to the clash between the army and the Shiíte Islamic Movement of Nigeria, MIN, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, in Zaria, Kaduna State.

NLC, in a statement by its president, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, said while the union was against any individual taking the laws into their hands, resorting to extra-judicial behaviour and extra-judicial killings is uncalled for and worrying.

The statement reads; “For a country that has witnessed and still coping with senseless violence with attendant mass deaths, especially in the North East, this is one additional violence most condemnable.

Advertisement

“NLC commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives during the December 12,  Zaria crisis and call on the Federal Government to increasingly be proactive in responding to crises in the country.

“We therefore, call on the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure that this unnecessary conflict was brought to a permanent end.

“Federal Government must urgently investigate the root causes of frequent mutually destructive violence between MIN and the Army. We recall that this is not the first time the movement had been involved in a clash with the military. In 2014, some members of the movement including the sons of Zakzaky reportedly lost their lives during a similar clash.

“At a time Nigeria had lost several lives and properties through insurgency, we must guide against further disaster.”

Leave a comment

Advertisement