Chief Of Army Staff Survives Assassination Attempt By Shiite Group

By Abdulkareem Haruna
(As Published in Leadership Newspaper of Dec 13, 2015)

Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, had on Saturday survived an assassination attempt when a group of Shiite Islamic sect attacked his convoy while on an official visit to Zaria town in Kaduna state, army officials said. 

General Buratai's convoy was brutally attacked and pelted by a group of the Islamic sect, who army officials said were prompted by their leader Sheikh Ibrahim Elzak-zaky to carry out such attack.

Spokesman of the Nigeria army, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the chief of army staff who,  though remained unruffled, waited calmly as he watched the group pelt his convoy using stones, improvised explosives and sticks.

"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 while 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", said Colonel Usman. 

"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. 

"The troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff 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 escaped unhurt and continued with his duties".