VIDEO: Heavy gunfire as Soldiers attempt to arrest Shi'ites leader, Sheikh Zakzaky in Zaria

Heavy fighting broke out late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, between men of the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic movement of Nigeria also known as Shi'ite, following the surrounding of the house of leader of the movement, Sheik Ibrahim Zakzaky, by troops.

The second-in-command of the movement, spokesperson, head of the medical team of the sect and several others were killed during the siege.

video after the break...


The Nigerian Army and members of the sect have accused each other of instigating attacks that led to the death of members of the movement on Saturday.

While the Army accused the Shiite followers of attempting to assassinate Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the Islamic movement said soldiers simply decided to attack “defenseless people”.

It was gathered that the Nigerian troops sustained a crackdown on the members of the sect throughout the night as heavy shootings and sounds of explosions were heard in Gellesu and Sokoto Road, where Hussainiyya – the spiritual centre of the sect – is located.