The United States, has called on the Federal Government to give an account for the death of 300 Shiites members killed on December 15, 2016 following the clash between the group and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna state.
The US embassy, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja, expressed their concern over the recent clash between the group and security operatives, describing it as disproportionate.
They urged the Nigerian government to create an effective means of communication with these groups, stating that Shiites have a freedom to express their religious beliefs and should be encouraged to do so peacefully.
It condemned the government for not defending the rights of the citizens and asked that total calmness and restraint should be applied by the government.
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.”
The US also urged the members of the IMN and all citizens to avoid activities that would incite violence and to follow the rule of law in order to avoid future clash.
“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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a human rights group, the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, has called for the intervention of the United Nations in addressing the recurring attacks by the Shi’ite Islamic movement on police officers and other security agents in the country.
The most recent clash happened on Monday between the group and security operatives on Monday in Kaduna, killing eight Shiite members and one policeman.