Military/shitte clash: NLC calls for end to violence, wastage of lives

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to end the rising hostilities and tension in the north, arising from last weekend’s clash between the military and members of the Shiite Islamic sect in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Violence broke out last weekend in Zaria between the Nigerian army and the Shiíte Islamic Movement of Nigeria, (MIN) led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.  The violence between MIN and the Nigerian Army is getting addictive, frequent and avoidably bloody and wasteful.

The NLC warned that for a country that has witnessed and is still coping with senseless violence with attendant mass deaths, especially in the north east, this additional violence was most condemnable, and should be stopped before it escalates further.

“We call on the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure this unnecessary conflict is brought to a permanent end.

“Federal government must also urgently investigate the root causes of frequent mutually destructive violence between MIN and Nigeria 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 similar clashes with the military.

“At a time Nigeria had lost several lives and properties through insurgency, we must guide against further killings and destruction of properties through avoidable conflicts. Violence worsens mass poverty and prevents prosperity and better life Nigeria and Nigerians have just voted for this year,” the NLC president said.

The NLC also called on well-meaning Nigerians to support a probe of the recent clash between the movement and the military with a view of unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the current mayhem and provide sustainable solutions.

“It was bad enough that any group of people allegedly blocked the road, restricted movement, and allegedly threatened the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Tukur Buratai. But it was worse and clearly unacceptable that the Nigerian Army would declare a war of attrition against unarmed citizens.

“We must all work for the rule of laws, citizens and the security agencies alike. In a democracy! there is no room for extra-judicial behaviour and extra judicial killings whatsoever”, the NLC said.

JOSHUA BASSEY