Expedite action on Zaria clashes’ white paper – US tells Nigeria

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Expedite action on Zaria clashes’ white paper – US tells Nigeria

The United States Government on Friday called on the Nigerian Government to expedite action on the recommendation of the White Paper on last year’s clashes in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson of the Bureau of Public Affairs, Mr. John Kirby, said that the U.S. government had fully agreed with the White Paper’s recommendations.

He said, “On Dec. 5th, the Kaduna State Government in Nigeria issued a long-awaited White Paper on clashes last year that resulted in the deaths of a reported 348 civilians and one soldier.

“We fully agree with the White Paper’s recommendation that members of the military who were involved in the unlawful killing of civilians must be held accountable and punished appropriately.

“As the one-year anniversary of this tragic event approaches, we call on the federal government to be diligent, transparent, and expeditious in following through on this recommendation.”

Kirby said that his government was also concerned with the Paper’s characterisation of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria as an “insurgent group”.

He said that the U.S. government would also want to encourage the federal government to act on the Abuja high court’s decision on Dec. 2 for the release from prison of IMN leader Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife, within 45 days.

He said, “As the White Paper notes, the right to freedom of worship is a cherished constitutional right in Nigeria that must be protected.

“We encourage the people and the government of Nigeria to support these fundamental principles, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region.”

NAN