Shiite Muslims protest killing of their leader’s family, others by Army

Members of the Shiite sect on Sunday, December 13, 2015, staged a street protest condemning the killing of their members.

Reports say over 20 members of the sect were killed during the raid on the sect's strong hold on Sunday, December 13, 2015.

Vanguard Newspapers reported that the wife and son of the Shiite leader, Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky were also killed during the raid.

This is coming on the heels of the alleged assassination attempt on the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

The Nigeria Army through its spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman accused the Shiite Muslims saying “The sect, numbering hundreds and carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres. They refused all entreaties to disperse and then started firing and pelting the convoy with dangerous objects.”

The sect on its part denied the allegations.

The spokesperson of the sect, Ibrahim Musa has accused the Federal Government of planning to wipe out the sect and called on well-meaning Nigerians and the International community to come to the aid of the group.

Reports say the protests were held simultaneously in Bauchi, Potiskum in Yobe State and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State

Read: Chief of Army Staff escapes assassination in Zaria

According to History News Network, Shiites Muslims believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed.

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