NEWS: IRAN - Iran summons Nigerian envoy after Shia clashes

Iran has summoned the Nigerian Charge d'Affaires in Tehran to protest against deadly clashes between Shia Muslims in the country's north and the army. 
Iran's foreign ministry called the violence between the military and
followers of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) "unacceptable", the official ISNA news agency reported on Tuesday.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif had earlier contacted his Nigerian counterpart Geoffrey Onyeama to express his "deep concern" about Saturday's events in the city of Zaria.
ISNA said at least 12 people were killed, with both sides blaming each other.
The Nigerian military said one of its convoys was attacked by followers of Ibrahim Zakzaky, the leader of the IMN. 

"The sect numbering hundreds carrying dangerous weapons, barricaded the roads with bonfires, heavy stones and tyres," an army statement said.
"The troops responsible for the safety and security of the Chief of Army Staff, on hearing explosions and firing, were left with no choice than to defend him and the convoy at all cost." 
The Iranian news agency said initial clashes were followed by an army raid on Zakzaky's home, which left several of his followers dead.
Nigeria's Muslim population is largely Sunni but the number of Shia Muslims has increased significantly in the past three decades.

Drop your comments. Hit comment below,  and chose your sign in format like google account with gmail. Alternatively if you dont want to sign in, you can choose the name/url or open ID. Contributors with the Highest comments by December 23rd would be rewarded and announced here.

Follow Joshua Osagie on facebook Global audience / facebook Nigerian audience  / facebook  (fan page)/ facebook personal account  and  twitter

ADVERTISE WITH THE FOREFRONT: +234-803-698-6103. For more details CLICK HERE NOW