The United States Government and Britain
have called for a thorough probe into the recent alleged mass killings
of civilians and destruction of property by security forces and Boko
Haram insurgents in Baga and Bama towns of Borno State.
In a statement, it warned that the
growing insecurity in the country was a threat to overall stability in
Nigeria and West Africa.
It called on the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the alleged massacre of Baga residents by soldiers.
It said, “We are deeply concerned about
reports of excessive use of force by Nigerian security forces in the
name of combating Boko Haram, including extrajudicial killings,
prolonged detention and disappearances.
“We are concerned that such an
indiscriminate, force-based approach to counter terrorism is increasing
extremism and decreasing confidence in the Federal Government.”
It warned that Nigeria’s reputation “as
an emerging leader and a stable democratic government” was being
tarnished by these alleged atrocities and called for a thorough probe of
the reports.
The US said it was fully in support of
Nigeria’s efforts to put an end to the menace of the Islamic sect, Boko
Haram and called for the prosecution of all members of the group, who
were responsible for the Bama attack.
Similarly, British Foreign Secretary,
William Hague, has expressed sadness over reports of multiple deaths in
Bama, Borno State following an attack by Boko Haram.
In a statement released by the UK High Commission in Nigeria, he said the protection of civilians remains vital.
Hague urged the Nigerian government to investigate all such incidents “rigorously, objectively and transparently.”
The statement reads, “I am deeply
saddened by reports of multiple deaths in the town of Bama in North-East
Nigeria, following an attack by an extremist group.
“My thoughts are with the families and
friends of the victims and all those affected. This is the latest in a
series of extremist attacks on innocent civilians in Borno State. These
attacks have no justification and I condemn them in the strongest terms.
“The growing insecurity and escalation
of hostilities in North-eastern Nigeria is of deep concern. The attack
in Bama follows the terrible loss of lives in the town of Baga last
month and disturbing allegations of human rights violations.
“The British government supports Nigeria
in tackling the challenges posed by terrorist and extremist violence.
However, the protection of civilians is of vital importance.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency on Friday said
it noted the opinion and the concerns expressed by the United States
Embassy on the recent killings in Nigeria just as it noted what it
called the very encouraging and supportive comments by the UK Foreign
Secretary, Rt. Hon. William Hague, on the same matter.
Special Adviser to the President on
Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told journalists that it was
noteworthy that thorough investigations as canvassed by the US were
already ongoing on the orders of President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said the President’s position was that those found culpable would be made to face justice.
He said it was not true that government
had a force-based approach to the security challenges, saying the
approach has been multi-dimensional.
Abati said, “The major point in response
to this statement by the US Embassy is that thorough investigations are
already ongoing with regard to the incidents in Baga, Bama, Nasarawa
and other places.
“President Jonathan is on record as
having ordered very thorough probes. He has also encouraged independent
investigations by the National Human Rights Commission. In addition, he
has had to cut short his trip to South Africa and cancel his planned
state visit to Namibia. He is back in the country to personally oversee
the situation.”
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Hear Abati! As if Jonathan's trip was of such grave importance? But, wait, why is he responding to the US and UK statements, rather make his own statement.
ReplyDeleteGood one bro!
ReplyDeleteDoes he have any staement? He is just waiting for his advisers to tell him what to say!
What concerns US about domestic issues in Nigeria?
ReplyDeleteA lot of bomb-attacks including the one of 911 in US. Now the question is, how many countries involved in the investigation talk-less of Nigeria?
US should go and rest after all they the problem.
Federal Government should be careful to avoid being a stooge to US.