Shiite members involved in violent clash again

Members of the Shiite sect in Jos, Plateau state, reportedly clashed with rival Muslim youths on Saturday, January 9, 2015.

Punch Newspapers reports that women numbering over 100, all wearing black, stormed the streets of Jos to protest the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Reports say the protest became violent when rival Muslim youths accosted the protesters along Bauchi road, leaving one person dead.

Speaking on the incident, the media and communications officer of the Special Task Force in the state, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha said “The procession by the women later turned violent as rival Muslim youths clashed along Bauchi road as the Shi’tte members were proceeding to the Central Mosque and the commander has ordered round the clock security surveillance and patrol and we would not want to take chances.”

“He has also ordered a ban on all forms of rallies, protest or procession in Jos and such rallies must get the permission of the police upon application,” Iweha said.

You will recall that the Public Relations Officer of the sect, Jamila Awwal accused soldiers of torturing and raping its female members.

Reports have revealed that Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is being kept in a police detention facility in Kaduna state.

Also, Iran has continued to mount pressure on Nigeria to release Shiite leader who was arrested by the Nigerian Army in December 2015.

Read: ‘We don’t need soldiers' apology,’ Group says

The Army accused members of the Shiite sect of attempting to assassinate the Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, an allegation the sect has since denied.