The American Embassy in Nigeria, Thursday condemned the deaths resulting from the confrontation between the Nigerian security forces and the pro-Iranian Islamic Shiite group, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), panapress.com
The IMN on Thursday accused the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Army of killing 48 of its adherents during the four-day clampdown on them in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, from 27-30 October 2018.
The US embassy urged restraint on both sides.
A statement posted on its website said: “The United States Embassy 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.”
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has also said its investigation shows that the horrific use of excessive force by soldiers and police led to the killing of at least 45 supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) over two days, as the Shi’a Muslim group held a peaceful religious procession around Abuja.
A statement on Wednesday said its researchers visited five different locations in Abuja and Nasarawa state where wounded IMN supporters were receiving treatment, including two locations where bodies were deposited.
It said researchers spoke with victims, eyewitnesses and medical practitioners, and analyzed videos and photographs of those injured and killed during the protests, which took place on Saturday and Monday.
“We have seen a shocking and unconscionable use of deadly force by soldiers and police against IMN members. Video footage and eyewitness testimonies consistently show that the Nigerian military dispersed peaceful gatherings by firing live ammunition without warning, in clear violation of Nigerian and international law,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria." With panapress.com
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