U.S. Worry Over Shiites’ Fatalities, Calls For FG Probe

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has expressed worry over the growing casualties suffered by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria also known as Shiites.

For four days, members of the religious sect had a running battle in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory and its outskirts leading to scores killed.

The U.S. Embassy in a statement on Thursday and made available to THE WHISTLER said it is “concerned by the deaths resulting from clashes between Nigerian security forces and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in areas surrounding Abuja.

“We urge Government of Nigeria authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the events and to take appropriate action to hold accountable those responsible for violations of Nigerian law. We urge restraint on all sides.”

Also, human rights organization, Amnesty International, had condemned the reaction of the Nigerian police and military to the Shiites protests on Monday and Tuesday in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Osai Ojigho, Director Amnesty International Nigeria, the organisation said the crackdown on unarmed protesters put lives at risk.

The Shiites spokesperson, Ibrahim Musa, had alleged over 50 of their members were killed, over 30 injured and about 200 arrested by the police.

However, the army said only two were killed, while the police put the figure at 4.