US faults Nigerian police, charges FG to account for killing of Shi’ites
The United States has faulted the Nigerian police for its approach in combating IMN members and has charged the Federal Government to account for the deaths of Shi’ite members killed last December.
No fewer than 300 Shi’ites were reportedly killed following a clash between members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State on December 15, 2015.
The US Embassy Information Office in a statement on Friday in Abuja described the police’s handling of the latest clash with Shi’ite members in Kano as “disproportionate.”
In the statement, the country expressed deep concern over the new development, and called for calmness, restraint and communication between the Shi’ite members and government authorities.
The Shi’ite group, according to the US, had the “right to assemble, peacefully express their religious beliefs, and mark their celebrations” like other religious groups.
The US admonished the Federal Government to protect and defend these rights.
It said, “The US is deeply concerned by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians during clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State on November 14.
“While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police.”
The US also called on members of the IMN and all citizens to respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police in their attempt to maintain public order.
“We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law,” the statement added.
A human rights group, the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, has also called for the intervention of the United Nations in addressing the recurring attacks by the Shi’ite Islamic movement on police officers and other security agents in the country.
