buhari

The United States government has issued a statement following the clash between the Kano State police and members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in which several people lost their lives.

The US speaking in the statement from its Embassy in Abuja  urged the Buhari administration to conduct a transparent investigation into the recent happenings between the group and security forces. 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.

“This is the latest in a series of violent incidents between security forces and members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), some of which have resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and the arbitrary detention of IMN members.

“The United States calls for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tensions, and greater communication between Shia citizens and government authorities.

“We continue to urge the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes between the IMN and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“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.”