By Ezrel Tabiowo, Joshua Egbodo and Awaal Gata, Abuja
The Senate yesterday set up an Ad-hoc committee to investigate last weekend’s bloody clash between the Nigerian Army and an Islamic Movement, the Shi’ites during which over 1000 lives were alleged lost in Zaria, Kaduna state.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said the decision was reached during a closed-door executive session which held yesterday and lasted for about two hours before plenary .
According to Saraki, the Ad-hoc committee is to comprise of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the standing committees on Defence; National Security and Intelligence, Internal Affairs; Army; Police; Foreign Affairs; as well as Judiciary and Human Rights.
He said the committee would be chaired by the chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe North).
The senate president therefore appealed to all parties involved in the clash to allow peace to reign while the Upper legislative chamber looks into the matter with a view to resolving it amicably.
Briefing journalists after the plenary, Senate spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi said: “The Senate in a closed session exhaustively discussed the incidence involving the Nigerian Army and the Islamic Movement Group, aka Shi’ite and all subsequent events.”
Senator Sabi said the Senate regretted the loss of lives and properties, and appealed for calm by all affected parties and the general public, while the investigation lasts.
“The Senate is seriously concerned and committed to ensuring that peace reigns in our dear country and will act in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times”, he assured.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has mandated relevant committees of the House to investigate the violent clash.
The committees charged with the responsibility of investigating the matter include those on defence, interior, police affairs and intelligence.
Chairman of the House committee on media and public affairs, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, disclosed this in a press statement yesterday, stating that the speaker “has directed its relevant standing committees to meet with top echelon of security agencies in the country so as to unearth the cause of the clash with a view to finding lasting solution.”
According to Namdas, “the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara urged
the committee to do a thorough job considering the sensitive nature of
the matter and the security situation in the country at the moment”.
Expressing similar concern, both the United States and the United Kingdom condemned the massive killings during the fracas.
In a statement by its embassy yesterday, the US expressed dismay over the tragedy and therefore called on the Federal Government to probe the incident.
It advised the two sides to exercise restraint to avoid actions that may further escalate the situation.
“While many details of the incidents that reportedly began on December 12 remain unclear, we are dismayed to learn of multiple civilian deaths. It is essential that all sides refrain from actions that further destabilize the situation.
“The United States calls on the Government of Nigeria to quickly, credibly, and transparently investigate these events in Zaria and hold to account any individuals found to have committed crimes.”
Also, the British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright in a statement admonished the security agencies to conduct their operations within the ambit of the rule of law.
Arkwright said, “Like many across Nigeria, I am following with concern the reports of violence in Zaria over the weekend between the Nigerian security forces and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. I am further concerned at reports that protests in Kaduna have turned violent.
“Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity adds a great deal to this country’s rich culture. It is important, therefore, that Nigerians of all faiths are allowed to assemble and worship freely.
“In addition, I call on the security forces to conduct their operations within the rule of law, and for demonstrators to ensure any protests are peaceful and equally act within the law.”