Rights Commission sets up panel over Shiites, Army clash

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The National Human Rights Commission has set up a committee to investigate the clash between the Nigeria Army and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shiite.

A statement by the commission said its Executive Secretary, Prof. Ben Angwe, set up the panel to investigate the clash sequel to the complaint made to it by the Nigeria army.

The panel is headed by the NHRC’s Director, Monitoring Department, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, and is made up of top management staff in the legal, investigation and monitoring department.

The office of the Chief of Army Staff had on Monday submitted a petition to the headquarters of the NHRC in Abuja.

Angwe assured the visitors that the NHRC would conduct detailed independent investigation into the incident.

The petition, dated December 14, 2015, with the title, ‘Letter of complaint against Shiite sect attack on the Chief of Army Staff,’ and with reference number NA/COAS/G1/52, was signed by Col. F.U. Mijinyawa on behalf of the COAS.

The petition, which was addressed to the NHRC executive secretary, had contained the army’s version of the clash of attacking the COAS, leaving the army with no choice than to shoot to protect the army chief.

“Troops had to shoot their way through up to the Zaria Post Office area by PZ to provide a safe corridor for the COAS and the convoy to pass through before the arrival of the reinforcement from the Depot of NA,” an occurrence report attached to the petition read in part.

“Sequel to the above, about seven of the members of the group were shot dead and the COAS directed that the 10 wounded be evacuated to the Depot NA Medical Centre for treatment while all exhibit items such as swords, knives, cell phones be recovered from the scene.”

The report stated that the exhibit items were handed over to the Nigeria Police.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army School of Military Police Provost Admin Coy was directed to investigate along with the Nigeria Police,” it stated.

It added that a detailed report would be forwarded to the commission when the investigation was concluded.

Source: Punch