Zaria clash: Commission of Inquiry recalls GOC for further questioning

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry probing the clashes between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Zaria has issued a recall to the General Officer Commanding  (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade for further examination and questioning.

This was the main high point of the Commission’s Public Hearing this Thursday.

Since the 6th April when the Nigeria Army witnesses made their presentations before the commission, a lot has been uncovered with regards all that transpired in Zaria on December 12 to 14.

This, apparently informed the decision by the Commission’s Chairman, Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba to facilitate the recall of the GOC, 1 Division for further examination at the commission’s public hearing.

Following the information by the Counsel to Nigerian Army Biola Oyebanji that the GOC will not be available till on the 21st of April, the commission therefore fixed the 25th April as the date for the senior Army officer to appear before it.

In the meantime, Thursday’s Public Hearing featured the testimony of the military officer who oversaw the cordon and search operation by the Nigeria Army at Dembo which is the site of the Shi’ite temple in Zaria.

Col. Mohammed Babayo told the commission that he was assaulted by members of the Islamic Movement on Sunday the 13th December, 2015.

Three other witnesses, residents of Gyellesu, whose properties were destroyed in the course of the Zaria clashes, also gave their testimonies at the commission’s sitting yesterday.