The Nigeria Army has confirmed that three members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) or Shi’ite group were killed while two soldiers sustained injuries when the sect clashed with troops at Zuba area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday.

According to a statement issued through the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, Maj.-Gen. James Myam on Monday, the Army said its troops were attacked by the sect members at about 3 pm at Zuba as they were escorting ammunitions and missiles from Abuja to Army Central Ammunition Depot in Kaduna State.

“The sect who were supposedly in a procession established an illegal road block denying motorists free passage. When the troops’ convoy attempted to clear the road block, they met stiff opposition from the sect.

“Members of the sect used various objects to barricade the road and also pelted the troops with stones and other dangerous items. They smashed both military and civilian vehicles’ windscreens and windows.

“They also attempted to overrun the escorts to cart away the ammunition and missiles the troops were escorting. This led to the troops opening fire to extricate themselves.

“Consequently, troops of 102 Guards Battalion in whose Area of Responsibility the incident occurred rushed to the convoy’s rescue,” the statement said.

Maj.-Gen. Myam said normalcy had been restored in the area and advised members of the public especially those plying the Abuja-Zuba Road to go about their normal activities without fear or apprehension.

The Commander further assured the public that no individual, persons or group would be allowed to disturb public peace and initiate or carry out attacks against military convoys.