As residents of the Gyellesu area of Zaria in Kaduna State begin returning to their homes after the clash between troops of the Nigerian Army and Shiites of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the State Government has issued further assurances that necessary public safety and security measures have been put in place for their comfort.
A government statement on Friday commended the residents for heeding the appeal to return home.
It urged those who have not yet returned to feel safe enough to do so.
The statement added that government has directed the immediate restoration of electricity and water supplies in the area.
The statement, signed by Samuel Aruwan, the spokesman of Governor Nasir el-Rufai, said: “Following the clashes between the Nigerian Army and Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s movement, it became clear that a number of buildings and other property had been damaged.
“The debris at the Husainiyah, in Gyellesu, and other locations constituted a danger to public safety.
“Therefore, the relevant agencies are evacuating the debris, removing dangerous materials such as twisted metal and glass shards.
“Some of the structures that were damaged at the sites of the clashes were deemed to be structurally unsound, and were also subsequently removed.
“Residents were advised to inform the authorities if they come across any item that looks unusual or suspicious or appears to be dangerous to themselves or their children.
“Public health considerations also informed the exercise to clear the debris.
“During operations to remove debris at the Husainiyah, two persons were rescued alive after spending three days under the rubble.
“One person was pulled out alive from the Gyellesu site, while three corpses were recovered at the Dambo village location.
“With the measures taken to search for and to rescue people trapped in the rubble, evacuate corpses and remove dangerous debris, the sites of the clashes are no longer sources of peril to their communities.
“Residents are assured that they can safely resume their legitimate pursuits.”
