See Why US is Deeply Worried About the Shia Conflict in Nigeria
The US says it is deeply concerned about the violent clashes between Nigerian government troops and the main Shia sect in Africa’s most populous state. While details of the clashes which began on 12 December remain unclear, the US ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle has called for calm and peace.He said: “we are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths”.
He further stated why the US is worried at the latest violent outrage. “It is essential that all sides refrain from actions that further destabilize the
situation,” Entwistle added.
The pro-Iranian Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) says hundreds of its members have been killed by the security forces in Zaria, its stronghold in the north of the country.
Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau visited Zaria yesterday, after Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani phoned his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari, to express concern about the crackdown.
“Speaking as a friend of Nigeria, I’m sure Minister Dambazau’s trip to Zaria was the first step in the timely, transparent investigation to which I’m sure Mr President and his administration are committed,” Mr Enwistle said.
The military says it launched an operation against IMN after its members tried to kill army chief Gen Tukur Buratai.
Source: BBC
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