America Tells Nigeria To Carry Out Quick, Credible And Transparent Probe Of Shi’ites, Army Clash In Zaria

Islamic-Movement-Members-Ibraheem-ZakzakyPresident Barack Obama has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately investigate the deadly clash between soldiers attached to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Zaria, Kaduna State on Saturday.

In a statement through its Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, the United States Government expressed dismay at the clash, which resulted in the loss of several civilian lives and property.

The statement reads:

“The United States is deeply concerned by reports of violent clashes between members of the Nigerian Army and the Shiite group Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Zaria, Kaduna State over the past several days.

“While many details of the incidents that reportedly began on December 12 remain unclear, we are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths. It is essential that all sides refrain from actions that further destabilize the situation.

“The United States calls on the Government of Nigeria to quickly, credibly, and transparently investigate these events in Zaria and hold to account any individuals found to have committed crimes”.

The U.S Government is the second country to call for probes of the clash after the Supreme leader of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, called for a probe of the clash, when he spoke over the phone with President Buhari.

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