The Kaduna State Government on Thursday demolished a school owned by the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
The government has banned the group amidst what appears a clampdown on its activities by state and federal officials.
The leader of the IMN, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is still in detention without trial since December when over 300 members of the sect were killed by soldiers who accused them of blocking a road and plotting to kill the army chief, Tukur Buratai. The Shiites deny the accusations and have alleged persecution.
On Thursday, some residents of Zaria, Kaduna State, expressed happiness as the primary and secondary school belonging to the IMN was demolished.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the school called “Fudiyya Centre” is located at Babban-Dodo, Gangaren-Fadama, in Zaria.
A cross section of the residents hailed the government for embarking on the exercise in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Zaria.
Musa Musa, a resident of the area, said the demolition was not only a welcome idea but a good step in the right direction.
“We have long been waiting for this action; it came at a time we did not expect. However, we are really happy with what happened today.
“These people have been disturbing us whenever they are conducting their activities,” he said.
Another resident, Baba Bala, advised Kaduna State Government not to relent in its efforts to curtail the `worrisome activities’ of Shiite sect which according to him, were infringing on the rights of others.
“I must confess that Zaria is now safe without El-Zakzaky.
“We are behind what this government is doing; we hope it will carry out the good work to its logical conclusion,” Mr. Bala added.
The demolition commenced at about 2:30 p.m. under the supervision of armed security personnel.
When contacted for comment, officials of the demolishing agency, KASUPDA, declined comment, saying they have no authority to speak to the press.
Samuel Aruwan the Director-General, Media to Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i said he just received the information.
He promised to call back to brief NAN on the position of government on the exercise.
He did not call back or reply text messages at the time of going to press.
Source: NAN
