The government of the United States of America has called on Nigerian authorities to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported crackdown on members of the Shiite Islamic sect by the Nigerian security forces allegedly leading to scores of deaths in Federal capital territory Abuja.
The position of the US government was made known in a press statement by the US Embassy in Abuja, made available to IGBERE TV.
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In the press statement released on Thursday (today), the US government also called for restraints from both sides in the conflict.
The statement reads in part;
“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.”
Igbere TV reports that the crisis first unfolded on Saturday as troops from the Army Headquarters Garrison at Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, reportedly gunned down 6 followers of the sect. The Army, however, claimed responsibility for three deaths.
Since the clash at Zuba, there has been heavy security presence in all the major entry points into the city, in an attempt to restrain to sect.
The Shiite members kick started their annual Arbaeen symbolic trek on Sunday, which also served as cover for a protest march against the continued detention of their spiritual leader by the federal authorities, with the clashes happening throughout the 3 days of the march/protest which led to the loss of many lives.
Earlier today, IGBERE TV reported with photographs of the burial of atleast 49 members of the group who allegedly lost their lives from the bullets of the security forces.
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