Statement on the Recent Incident Involving the Nigerian Military and the Shiite Islamic Movement.

Whatever may be the justification, the event of Saturday 12, December, 2015, involving the Nigerian military and the Shiite Islamic Movement calls for sober reflection on the way we conduct ourselves whether as private citizens or as public officials. The legality of the use of lethal force by the military of a country against the citizens of that country is one that must be strictly construed against the military and condemned as unlawful unless justified as the last resort in the circumstance of any particular event. Such use of lethal force should be necessary and proportionate to the situation; and provocation should not be a defence.

In consequence, the Committee on Justice and Human Rights urges the Nigeria Government to constitute a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the remote and immediate causes of the armed engagement of the military with the Shiite Islamic Movement with a view to ensuring, not only that justice is done on this occasion, but also that there is neither reoccurrence nor counterattack.

Furthermore, the CJHR calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Kaduna State to jointly constitute a high power committee, in consultation with traditional and religious leaders, to engage with the Movement with a view to seeking a safe passage out of this potentially dangerous situation so as to ensure that criminals do not use it as an excuse to unleash mayhem on innocent Nigerians.

The CJHR calls on the Government to ensure that the Movement is not ignored and calls, particularly on the Nigerian Military, to refrain from threatening members of the Movement with unlawful detention or bodily harm so as not to force them into isolation.

The CJHR commends the desire of the National Assembly to probe into the incident and urges all the parties to cooperate with the Assembly.

Finally, the CJHR calls on the Shiite Islamic Movement to, in the course of its activities, respect constituted authorities and the right of the general public to the use of public space. They should employ dialogue and constructive peaceful engagement with the government and the general public in expressing their grievance over this unfortunate event.

The CJHR shall closely monitor the situation until this conflict is resolved.

Dr. Amos Enabulele
Chairman, CJHR