Shiites Protest: Residents of Abuja community trek several kilometres
Following the outcome of the Shiite protest in Mararaba/Nyanya, resident of these areas were subjected to hardship as they had to trek many kilometers to their workplaces. Members of the Islamic National Movement (INM) protested in Nyanya in FCT and Mararaba in Nasarawa state over the unlawful detention of their leader, El-Zakzaky in 2015.
The development resulted in a gridlock that left many residents with no option than to trek to their destinations. The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that men, women, children, and physically challenged were seen walking down the road while many other were left stranded at AYA due to lack to transportation.
Commercial drivers along this route increased their fares due to the overwhelming gridlock, and other vehicles were packed by the roadside following overheating.
Some residents of the area who pleaded anonymity, spoke on the hardship they face whenever there are security concerns in the area. They also called on the federal government to help create more access roads leading to the area. The residents lamented that the Mararaba/Keffi road was the only route despite the largn number of residents living in that area.
Mr El-Zakzakky was arrested in 2015 after his Shiites members had a confrontation with the envoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, in Zaria, Kaduna state. Over 300 Shiite members are reported to lost their lives in that incident.
Since the arrest of El-Zakzaky, several of his Shiites followers had staged protest in various states of the Federation. The INM also recalled the arrest of 53 members who were arrested by the police in Abuja following a protest that turned violent.
Following these two major disturbances in the Federal Capital Territory, security forces have assured residents of optimum security against further planned protest by the Shiites in the Capital city.
