In what could pass a miracle, three persons buried under buildings demolished in Zaria by soldiers during the recent crackdown on Shiite Muslims were rescued alive after three days.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to Governor Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Aruwan in the statement issued Friday in Kaduna, the state capital, disclosed that “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.”

The statement, issued as residents of the Gyellesu area begin returning to their homes, brimmed with assurances that the necessary public safety and security measures have been put in place for their comfort.

The statement commended the residents for heeding the appeal to return home, and urged those who have not yet returned to feel safe enough to come back. It disclosed that government has directed the immediate restoration of electricity and water supplies in the area.

According to the statement, “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.”

•Photo shows rubble after the army crackdown of the Shiite stronghold in Zaria.