UK cautions Nigerian Govt over killing of Shi’ite protesters in Abuja

The United Kingdom on Sunday expressed deep concern over the rising violence emanating from the clashes between security operatives and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Shi’ite Muslims, who are protesting the detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, by the Federal Government.  The Shi’ites had last week declared three days of protest in Abuja but had violence encounter with the Nigerian Army and the Police who attempted to restrict their movement in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which led to the killing of some Shi’ite members.

The British Government through a statement by the British High Commission in Abuja signed by Louise Edwards, Second Secretary Political (Niger Delta) and Head of Communications, had cautioned against obstructing people from freedom of association and expression.

The statement read: “We are concerned by the deaths of up to 50 people in and around Abuja this week. Our thoughts are with the families of those people who have lost their lives.

“We are following events closely, and have expressed our concerns about the levels of violence and numbers of people killed to the Federal government. We encourage all parties to work together to enable the people of Nigeria to exercise freedom of association, expression and religious belief safely, peacefully and in line with the rule of law.

“It is essential that security forces act in accordance with international and domestic law and work to protect civilians. We welcome commitments by the Government of Nigeria to conduct a thorough investigation and to take appropriate action to hold accountable any member of the security forces held responsible for violations of Nigerian law.”

Earlier, Amnesty International had condemned the Nigerian Army and Police for use of brutal force with intension to kill in their encounter with the protesting Shi’ite Muslims in the Abuja metropolis.

The US had also warned the federal government on the IMN conflicts.