The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC ) has expressed great concerns over the incessant violent clashes between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN ) and security agencies which has resulted in the loss of lives and wanton destruction of properties.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, in a statement in Abuja commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones on Monday in another clash between the protesting IMN (Shiite) members and the police in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday by Mr. Lambert Oparah, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, NHRC, the commission said the death of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, FCT Command, DCP Usman Umar, a Channels Television journalist, Precious Owolabi, some protesters and others who sustained varying degrees of injury in that incident “calls for serious and urgent action to address the situation.”
The Executive Secretary was quoted as reiterating the Commission’s call on the federal government and the leaders of the Islamic Movement to consider dialogue as the best option in this conflict.”
“In crises of this nature, human right is usually the casualty and as a national institution for the promotion and protection of human rights, we are very concerned that this conflict if not handled peacefully may result in monumental human rights and humanitarian crises .”he said
The Commission called for speedy trial of the Shiite leader Ibrahim El-zakzaky and government to ensure
