At least three members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiite were killed today, Sunday along Zuba road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as they allegedly attack the troops of Army Headquarters Garrison on official duty escorting ammunitions and missiles from Abuja to Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State.
In a statement the Commander of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General James Myam, said that the Shiite members attacked the soldiers at Zuba bridge, at about 3.00pm.
The statement said that members of the Islamic sect, who were supposedly on a procession, established an illegal road block denying motorists free passage.
It said that when the troops’ convoy attempted to clear the road block, they met stiff opposition from the sect, adding that they used various objects to barricade the road and also pelted the troops with stones and other dangerous items.
“They smashed both military and civilian vehicles’ windscreens and windows.
“They also attempted to overrun the escorts to cart away the ammunition and missiles the troops were escorting. This led to the troops opening fire to extricate themselves. Consequently, troops of 102 Guards Battalion in whose Area of Responsibility the incident occurred rushed to the convoy’s rescue.
“Unfortunately, during the encounter 3 members of the sect were killed while 2 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility.”
The statement said that normalcy has been restored in the general area and asked members of the public, especially those plying the Abuja – Zuba Road to go about with their normal activities with the assurance. It warned that Nigeria Army will not allow any individual or group of persons to disturb public peace and launch unprovoked attacks against military convoys.
