Army warns Shi’ites against creating tension

The Nigerian army has warned members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria led by Ibrahim Zakzaky, to desist from making “misleading comments”, capable of breaching peace and order.

Sani Usman, army spokesman, said this in a statement issued on Thursday.

Accusing the group of peddling falsehood against the military, Usman told the public to disregard “misinformation” and await outcome of investigations carried out by the government and some agencies.

“The army is aware of clandestine campaign of calumny and misinformation on the incident of December 12, 2015 in Zaria,” the statement read.

“A group of high ranking members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), led by one Dr Abdullahi Danladi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria misrepresented facts about the incident.

“He 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.”

The statement said the actions of Danladi was preposterous and showed lack of concern and respect for peace and tranquility.

It added that the army would not “sit back and allow some mischievous elements” in the society to further create unnecessary tension and disaffection in the society.

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

“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.”