'We won't tolerate inciting comments' - Military warns sect

The Nigerian Army has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiites, stop making comments that may breach public peace and order.

According to a statement issued by Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, it said the leader, Dr Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, has embarked on a campaign based on lies about the December 12 killings in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“The Army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinformation on the incident of Dec.12, 2015 in Zaria," Usman said.

He said Danladi "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.”

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“This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse their privileged position to mislead the public, create disaffection.

“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,” it added.

The clash between soldiers and the Shiites occurred after members of the group allegedly attempted to assassinate Burataion December 12.

The situation escalated after soldiers surrounded the home of the group’s leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and arrested him.