Bolanle Akanji
Moderator
The Police in Zaria area of Kaduna State on Thursday averted a clash between some members of the Shi'ite sect and the Gyellesu community in the city.
The incident which left three people with injuries stemmed from a misunderstanding on road projects in the area.
An eyewitness and resident of Gyellesu, who pleaded anonymity, described the event as a mere misunderstanding.
``Dust from vehicles plying the reconstructed road has become a source of concern to the residents around the area, who have no alternative than to seek means of avoiding or reducing it.
``The residents then decided to put some stones on the way to reduce motorists' speed on the road.
``However, Shi'ite members attempted to remove the stones, and people around prevented them from doing so," said the source.
The forcible removal of the stones by the Shi'ite members started an exchange of words and blows.
Two traditional leaders, Malam Musa Bala and Malam Bello Aliyu, the Sarkin Gyellesu 1 and Sarkin Gyellesu 2 respectively intervened to prevent the clash but a visit to Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzakey, the sect leader, for a dialogue did not yield any fruitful result.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Aminu Lawal, said policemen have been sent to the area to uphold peace.
He added that the situation has been brought under control.
The incident which left three people with injuries stemmed from a misunderstanding on road projects in the area.
An eyewitness and resident of Gyellesu, who pleaded anonymity, described the event as a mere misunderstanding.
``Dust from vehicles plying the reconstructed road has become a source of concern to the residents around the area, who have no alternative than to seek means of avoiding or reducing it.
``The residents then decided to put some stones on the way to reduce motorists' speed on the road.
``However, Shi'ite members attempted to remove the stones, and people around prevented them from doing so," said the source.
The forcible removal of the stones by the Shi'ite members started an exchange of words and blows.
Two traditional leaders, Malam Musa Bala and Malam Bello Aliyu, the Sarkin Gyellesu 1 and Sarkin Gyellesu 2 respectively intervened to prevent the clash but a visit to Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzakey, the sect leader, for a dialogue did not yield any fruitful result.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Aminu Lawal, said policemen have been sent to the area to uphold peace.
He added that the situation has been brought under control.
