The Shiite Movement in Nigeria has expressed concern over the demolition of properties belonging to the sect by the Kaduna State Urban Property and Development Agency (KASUPDA).
This was contained in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna and signed by the spokesperson of the Movement, Mallam Ibrahim Musa.
The statement noted “it has come to our notice that the Kaduna State Governor has ordered KASUPDA to demolish all the properties belonging to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
“KASUPDA under the protection of security agents razed to the ground what remained of our Husainiyya Islamic centre.
“We are particularly irked by the demolition of our newly bought property adjacent the Husainiyya, former NTC compound, on Wednesday.
“That compound has been in existence since the colonial times. Governor el Rufai didn’t stop at that, his government’s KASUPDA demolished our Fudiyya Islamic centre, where we were holding our Islamic programmes before relocating to Husainiyya, about five years ago.
“That building was also duly occupied by us and was built by the owner over 30 years ago. It was in the midst of other people’s houses.
“KASUPDA demolished the family house of Sheikh Zakzaky wherein the remains of his mother, who died a year ago, lie. The house is located in Jushi quarters of Tudunwada Zaria.
“We condemn this act of brutality against the Islamic movement. This atrocity is a pointer to the fact that, while the government is busy telling the public that they want peace to prevail after the massacre, but at the same time it is out to provoke us more.
“We believe if the government is truly searching for avenues for peaceful resolution to this crisis, the government should be seen by all to be following due process in whatever breach they are accusing the Movement.
“We are calling on the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el Rufai, to desist from exploiting our patience and endurance and stop further destruction of our properties,” the statement read.
Reacting to the demolition, the state governor, Mallam Nasiru el Rufai had said during a state broadcast that the said properties, which the Shiite were talking about was acquired illegally. He said there was an attempt by previous government sometimes in 2005 to retrieve the properties but later the government of that day shelved the idea.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria led by Ibrahim Zakzaky, to desist from making “misleading comment” capable of breaching peace and order.
Sani Usman, army spokesman stated this on Thursday.
Accusing the group of peddling falsehood against the military, Usman told the public to disregard “misinformation” and await outcome of investigations carried out by the government and some agencies.
“The army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinformation on the incident of December 12, 2015 in Zaria,” the statement added.
“A group of high ranking members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), led by one Dr Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria misrepresented facts about the incident.
“He was at the university, on Wednesday soliciting for support and telling lies about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the incident itself.”
“He also went further to make false and unfounded allegations of casualty figures and desecration of burial grounds.
“Dr Abdullahi Danladi and like-minded individuals should be warned to desist from telling lies and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading the general public.”
The statement said the actions of Danladi was preposterous and showed lack of concern and respect for peace and tranquility. It added that the army would not “sit back and allow some mischievous elements” in the society to further create unnecessary tension and disaffection in the society.
“This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse their privileged position to mislead the public, create disaffection,” the statement read.
“Nigerians and indeed all well-meaning people are please enjoined to be patient and await the outcome of the various enquiries instituted by various government and non-governmental agencies.”
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