In its statement on Wednesday, AI Director, Nigeria, M.K. Ibrahim, said, “Whilst the final death toll is unclear, there is no doubt that there has been a substantial loss of life at the hands of the military.
“Firearms should only be used as a last resort, if strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. It is crucial that the authorities refrain from using excessive force and ensure that anyone responsible for unlawful killings is brought to justice in fair trials.”
AI alleged that Nigerian security forces had a history of carrying out unlawful killings and other human rights violations.
“An impartial investigation is urgently needed into these killings. Anyone responsible for unlawful killings should be brought to justice. ‘‘Those in detention must be granted access to medical care as a matter of urgency and either charged with a recognisable criminal offence or released,” Ibrahim added.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, in the mean time, described the visit of the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), to Zaria to assess the clash as timely.
Entwistle, who spoke in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, during his visit to the American Corner, said the Zaria killings were unfortunate.
The envoy was in Calabar to unveil 200 new books, materials and a new television monitor as part of the US mission’s continuing commitment to the Corner and also to learn more about what Cross River State was doing with the Federal Government to protect one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.
According to Entwistle, the first step after allegations of misconduct are made is for the government to institute a transparent and timely investigation.
He said, “I do not have all the facts yet. Obviously, a very unfortunate incident took place. I think whenever allegations of misconduct by security forces are made, I am not just talking about Nigeria, but also in my country, I think the first step is always a timely and transparent investigation by the government and human rights organisation.
“Once you know the actual facts, then you can decide what is to be done. I noticed this morning in the media, and I believe that I am correct, that the Minister of Interior, Dambazau, went to Zaria yesterday (Tuesday). I was very glad to hear that because I am sure that his trip there was the first step in a transparent and timely investigation.
“I am absolutely certain that President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration are taking very serious steps and they want to find out exactly what had happened.”
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