The Nigerian army has emphatically stated that there no regret over its recent encounter with members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, a group propagating Shi’ite Islam in the country.
Nigerian army has stated that there is no apology over Zaria bloody clash
This position was made by the general officer commanding (GOC), 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigeria army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade stating that the force will not sit back while a group or sect threaten the peace and stability of the country.
Oyebade made this disclosure on Wednesday, January 6, while fielding questions from reporters adding that the army does not have issue with the Shi’ite.
He said: “They are like any other sect in the land, but as long as they obey the law of the land no problem, but if any group chooses to challenge the authority of the land, it means they do not value the sanctity of life and the constitution of Nigeria.”
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The GOC further stressed that some military personnel are Shi’ite by religious orientation but they respect and obey constituted authority adding that the military does not have issue with them
Oyebade said: “Army has paid heavily with the blood of its officers and men to protect this country, and so we have no apology any group, either Shiites Islamic sect, Christian sect, even pagan sect that is threatening the peace of the country.
“We don’t have any issue with the Shiites or any sect at all in the land as long as they obey the law of the land. But if any group tends to challenge the constituted authority of the land, it means that such group does not respect the constitution of the land.
“Even in the military, we have Shiites members, but there is no issue with them because they are law abiding citizens.
“But we have issues with those who create a State within a State, and our rules of engagement are very clear, that is, when there is threat to a constituted authority, it must be arrested before it goes full blown.
“We know the business of violence but we apply it professionally if the peace of the land is being threatened, so we are appealing to Nigerians who are bent on causing violence stay off.”
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He noted that the army remains one of the custodians of the country’s democracy stating that an attempt on the life of chief of army staff is like an attempt on a sitting president.
The GOC assured people from northwest zone that the military will continue to safeguard the zone urging them to go about their normal duties without fear.
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