Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday afternoon, escaped being killed by members of the Shiite Islamic Sect in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Colonel Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement, said that hundreds of the sect members took over and barricaded the Zaria road and opened fire on the convoy of Buratai as well as advanced towards hum with dangerous weapons.
Usman alleged that the Sect members went on the assassination mission at the instance of their leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky.
Said the DAPR, “The Shiite Sect on the orders of their leader, Ibrahim Alzak-zaky today afternoon in Zaria attacked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff.”
The Army spokesman said that his boss was on his way to pay homage on the Emir of Zazzau and attend the Passing Out Parade of 73 Regular Recruits Intake of Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, when he encountered the unfortunate scene.
“The sect numbering hundreds 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 barricade was obviously a deliberate attempt to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff and members of his entourage while on a legitimate official assignment as Special Guest of Honour at the passing out parade which has earlier been widely publicized.”
Usman stated that it took the troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff to save him from that untimely death.
“On hearing explosion and firing were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost as well as open up the barricaded road for law abiding citizens.
“This is in line with the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.
“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated from any individual or groups and should not be allowed to repeat itself.
“We wish to implore all Nigerians to continue to be law abiding and remain conscious of other people’s right to life, freedom of movement and passage.
“The Chief of Army Staff escaped unhurt and continued with his duties”, he stated.
A resident of the area, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said a truckload of soldiers came to the Husainiya area and surrounded it and “all of a sudden we heard gun shots and many people died”.
Source : NATIONAL MIRROR
0 Response to "Chief of Army Staff Survive assassination in Kaduna"
Post a Comment
DROP COMMENTS HERE :