Residents of Zaria in Kaduna State have accused members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky of running a parallel government for over 20 years.

The residents also accused the group, also known as the Shiites of harassing and intimidating innocent people in the area.

They stated this when members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the December 2015 clash between the group and soldiers visited the area on a fact finding mission.

The residents also accused the Shiite members of carrying arms with which they use in harassing innocent people in the area and called on the state government not to allow Zakzaky and his members to come back to the area again.

According to the people of the area, the Shi’ite group, if allowed to continue to exist, could pose a security threat to the state and the whole nation.

The members visited the Emir’s Palace where the Chairman briefed him on the purpose of their visit. They also visited the residence of Sheik El-Zakzaky at Gyellesu, Hussenia, the spiritual headquarters of the movement at PZ area and later, the mass grave where the dead bodies were buried.

Channels Television’s reporter in Kaduna State reports that although the commission is yet to conclude its public hearing, fact finding visits such as this go a long way in providing more evidence and facts that will guide it in making its recommendations to government. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.