The Army has confirmed that three members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria ( IMN) or Shiite , died on Saturday , while two solders sustained injuries when the sect clashed with troops at Zuba in the FCT.
The Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja , Maj . – Gen . James Myam confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.

Myam explained that troops of the Garrison were attacked at about 3 p . m . at Zuba bridge by the sect as they escort ammunitions and missiles from Abuja to Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State.

“ The sect who were supposedly in a procession , established an illegal road block denying motorists free passage.
“ When the troops ’ convoy attempted to clear the road block , they met stiff opposition from the sect.

“ Members of the sect 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 , ” Myam said.

He, however , said normalcy had been restored in the area and advised members of the public especially those plying the Abuja – Zuba road , to go about their normal activities.

The commander assured the public that “ no individual or persons would be allowed to disturb public peace or provoke attacks against military convoys ”

( NAN)

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Army Confirms 3 Dead In Shiite, Troops Clash In Abuja