The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, yesterday described the clashes between the Army and the Shiite Muslim group in Zaria, Kaduna State, as unfortunate.
Entwistle, who spoke in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, during his visit to the American Corner, said the visit of the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), to Zaria, to assess the situation was timely.
He said: “Since that incident in Zaria, although I do not have the facts yet. Obviously, a very unfortunate incident took place. But 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.
“Because the first step in any situation as this is to find out what happened. Once you know the 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 glad to hear that because I am sure his trip was the first step in a transparent and timely investigation.
“I am certain that President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration are taking this seriously. They want to find out what has happened.”
Entwistle said the U.S was working with Nigeria in exploring ways to combat the Boko Haram insurgency, adding that his country was the strongest ally to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.