US breaks silence on army, Shi’ites clashes

The United States has reacted to the clashes between Nigerian security agencies and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, also known as Shittes.

The US Government expressed concern over the rate of killings caused by the crisis.

It further called on President Muhammadu Buhari government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate action.

The US said this in a statement issued by the Information Office, Public Affairs Section, Embassy of the United States of America, and made available to reporters in Abuja on Thursday.

This call followed recent repeated clashes between the Shiites and security forces, especially the Nigerian Army, over the demand for the release of its leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

“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,” the United States said.