George Oji, Funmi Peter-Omale and Yakubu Musa
22 July 2006
Kaduna/Abuja/Kano — Two Nigerians, whose identities were not disclosed at press time, have become victims of the exchange of artillery fire between Israeli authorities and Hezbolah forces in Lebanon. Dropping the hint last night in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, however said the Embassy and Ministry officials were trying to get the details of the couple.
Okonjo-Iweala also confirmed that no fewer than 420 Nigerians and 80 other African nationals have been evacuated from Lebanon to Damascus.
According to the Minister, "From the onset, President Olusegun Obasanjo directed the Nigerian Ambassador, Dr. George Manzo to do everything possible to ensure the safety of Nigerians."
She said that "Nigeria was proactive and ahead of even other nations in evacuating their nationals. Even developed countries that have better early warning systems are just evacuating their nationals. We are among the first to evacuate our nationals and Nigerians should be proud of that."
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala explained that there were over 5,000 Nigerians in Lebanon but only 420 indicated interest to be evacuated. "Out of this number, about 80 persons have also indicated interest to be evacuated back to Nigeria."
She said ticketing process was on as the Ambassador and Embassy officials were working round the clock to ensure that they are evacuated as soon as possible.
On the plans for Nigerians in Israel, the Minister pointed out that the embassy was already on standby saying there was contingency arrangement in case of any eventuality.
Meanwhile, Some members of the Islamic sect, the Shi'ite, yesterday in Kaduna and Zaria staged a peaceful demonstration as a show of solidarity with the Lebanese Islamic fundamentalists, condemning the bombardment of both Lebanon and Palestine by Israel as well as rained curses on America for supporting such "act of terrorism."
The Shi'ite sect popularly called Muslim Brothers or Islamic Movement in Nigeria, under the leadership of a Zaria-based radical cleric, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, marched through the major streets in Kaduna metropolis and Zaria city urging all Muslims in the world to rise up in unison to wipe Israel on the world map, thereby sent jitters down the spines of the residents.
They carried placard and giant portrait of the leader of Hisbolah, Sheikh Ahmed Nasirillah and that of Zakzaky, chanting Allahu Akbar (meaning God is Great) and Allah Ya tsine Obasanjo and Bush (May God curse Obasanjo and Bush of America).
Besides, the demonstrators were distributing an inciting leaflets written in Hausa titled, "We Support the People of Lebanon and Palestine', signed by one Muhammad Moukhtar dated July 21, 2006.
Consequently, traders and market women hurriedly closed their shops, even as armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen were quickly drafted into the flash spots and patrolling major streets.
Part of the leaflets read, "Today is the 10th day since the infidel Jews have been bombarding Lebanon, destroying houses, hospitals, high ways, industrial establishments and power installations as well as water systems, killing hundreds of people, majority of them children and women. This dastardly acts have crippled the economy of the country.
"Also, the dastardly act committed by the Jews in Palestine whereby they use maximum military force with the support of the external forces. Israel has been supported by the United States of America (USA) and its allies in committing the heinous crime against fellow Muslims.
"This is surprising, seeing how Western world has been supporting Israel and even some governments in the Arab world. Leaders of America and their allies are the ones supporting Israel openly without shame. George Bush has said that Israel has the right to defend itself."
However, the leaflet further stated that they have in the country an indefatigable leader in the person of Zakzaky who has the ability to mobilise and sensitise Muslims against any heinous crime.
"To God be the glory, we in this country, our indefatigable leader of Islam, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) has called all Muslims and those who pity humanity to come out en mass to condemn the dastardly acts by Israel in Lebanon and Palestine. What God has promised must come to fulfillment. The territory carved out and named Israel must be wiped out. May God hasten their destruction in the world," the leaflet affirmed.
Reacting to the development, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Edgar Nanakumo, in a chat with newsmen in his office enjoined the residents not to panic since the situation was under firm control, asserting that the command's officers and men were closely monitoring the demonstration in the two cities.
"There is no cause for alarm. The situation is under control. The press should not blow it out of proportion. Kaduna is very peaceful. It wasn't demonstration against Israeli per se, but the usual religious procession which does not require permit. Of course, they have to express their feelings since the Lebanese and Palestinians are fellow Muslims," the Police boss explained.
In Kano, hundreds of thousands of Shiites Muslims yesterday burnt Israeli flag in protest against the Middle Eastern country's military attack against Hezbolla of Lebanon.
The Shiites, who marched in the streets of the ancient city of Kano dragged the Israeli flag and marched on it before they finally set it ablaze in a display of solidarity with their Muslim brothers in Lebanon Palestine.
Led by their leader in the state, Sheikh Turi Mohammed, the radical Shiites, were also carrying placards with various anti Israeli and western inscriptions.
"Death to Israeli death to America" Victory is with Hezbollah and Hamas" are some of the words they were chanting during the demonstration.
Addressing the protesters, Turi accused the world of displaying hypocrisy by refusing to speak out against what he called Zionists' aggression against Muslims.
"It is a big surprise to us that Israel would wage war because only two of its soldiers were captured and held in custody. But how many innocent Muslim civilians are in its own cells and nothing happened. Regrettably the world remain silent over this glaring injustice," he pointed out.
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