Female Shiite member accuses Army of rape, torture

chika ebuzor

January 7, 2016 5:52 AM

Awwal described the continued detention of the sects members as illegal, while calling on the government to facilitate the release of their husbands and children.

Shiite followers protesting

The Shiite, Army clash has taken several dimensions, and a lot of accusations and counter-accusations have been flying in the media, since the issue started last year, 2015.

The Shiite, Army clash started, when members of the sect allegedly attempted to assassinate the Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Speaking to newsmen, the Public Relations Officer of the sect, Jamila Awwal said the group’s members were tortured and raped before they were killed by soldiers.

According to Punch Newspapers, she said “Some of the women were raped before they were killed by the soldiers as confirmed by some survivors who were also tortured after their arrest.

“The soldiers molested our women and removed their hijabs which is a serious violation of Islamic rights.”

Adding that “All these were followed by propaganda by the government and the army to paint the movement and its leader in a bad light thereby instigating sectarian sentiment and creating tension in the country.

“The authorities have remained insensitive to our plight as they unjustly continue to keep our revered leader, El-Zakzaky, and members in various military facilities and prisons.”

She also described the continued detention of the sects members as illegal, while calling on the government to facilitate the release of their husbands and children.

The Iranian government has also warned Nigeria to tread with caution, following the clamp down on the sect members.

Also prominent traditional leaders have called for the issue to be treated wisely, adding that the mismanagement of a similar incident with Boko Haram, was what gave rise to the violence in the North-East.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe has set up a panel to investigate the clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Shiite Muslim sect.

chika ebuzor