ADVERTISEMENT

Sect says Kaduna govt admits secretly burying 347 of its members

The Shiites Islamic Movement in Nigeria said Kaduna State government has admitted been part of the secret burial of 347 of its members killed in Zaria in December 2015.

Mass graves

The Kaduna SSG, Alhaji Lawal Balarabe Abbas, who represented the Kaduna state government at the JCI on Monday, April 11, 2016, was quoted to have said that 347 members of the Islamic Movement were given mass burial in the aftermath of the Zaria Shiites/Military clash that took place from 12th to 14th December 2015.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 11, 2016 by the spokesman of the group, Ibrahim Musa, Shiites said the SSG comment is a clear confirmation of what they had earlier made public about its members having been buried in mass graves.

"The SSG also established that the secret burial took place based on a court order received by the state government, and that he was earlier in attendance at a meeting with the Governor and some senators, where they deliberated on what to do with the huge numbers of dead bodies of IMN members."

ADVERTISEMENT

"This was also collaborated by the Director General, religious affairs, . He told the Commission that he went to ABUTH, where he counted 156 corpses, and to army depot, where he counted 191 other corpses, in the presence of one and buried them at midnight at Mando, Kaduna," the sect said.

The group said their figure tally with the earliest figure given by the Human Rights Watch that not less than 300 members of the Movement might have been killed in the pogrom, which it accused the Nigerian Army of using excessive force on unarmed civilians.

"We sincerely hope this will be the beginning of more revelations about the fate of the remaining missing persons, now numbering over six hundred. Today's (Monday) revelations point to the fact that a massacre was carried out by the Nigerian Army on defenseless Nigerians in Zaria from 12-14 December, 2015, which they sought to conceal. The perpetrators must be brought to book," Shiites said in the statement.

"We remain resolute, and will continue to follow peaceful means in our call for the unconditional release of our revered leader his and other brothers and sisters of the Islamic Movement under illegal detention."

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Sony’s Creators Convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Sony’s Creators Convention redefines creative landscape for content creators

Eniola Ajao apologises for naming Bobrisky best-dressed female at movie premiere

Eniola Ajao apologises for naming Bobrisky best-dressed female at movie premiere

NFVCB wants to stop skits, Nollywood films from encouraging crimes

NFVCB wants to stop skits, Nollywood films from encouraging crimes

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu knew he'd marry his wife a month into their relationship

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu knew he'd marry his wife a month into their relationship

Candy Bleakz raises her artistry on 'Better Days' EP

Candy Bleakz raises her artistry on 'Better Days' EP

Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed a 'Sister Act 3' is in the works

Whoopi Goldberg has confirmed a 'Sister Act 3' is in the works

Mardeee set to release highly anticipated single 'AWAY' on February 23

Mardeee set to release highly anticipated single 'AWAY' on February 23

Adesua Etomi pens heartwarming note to hubby Banky W on his birthday

Adesua Etomi pens heartwarming note to hubby Banky W on his birthday

Showmax, Infinix mobile to offer unparalleled viewing experience to viewers

Showmax, Infinix mobile to offer unparalleled viewing experience to viewers

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT