The story below was published in the Daily Trust Newspaper, August 7, 2014, written by Safiya Abdurahman
A human and consumer rights association, the Network for Justice, has condemned the recent killings by the military in Zaria where more than 30 civilians were shot dead.
Executive Director of the association, A.S. Mohammed said in a statement that the actions of the military were unacceptable even in war situation.
“Such conducts by the military who are expected to exhibit very high level of professionalism and patriotism makes the institution lose its respect and support among the public especially in a city like Zaria which has historically hosted important institutions of the Nigerian Army,” the statement said.
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky came under gun fire from soldiers on July 25 during a pro-Palestinian rally in Zaria.
Three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky were among the 33 who were killed in the incident.
The Network for Justice said “Such actions ridicule the government and military of Nigeria as being lawless, uncivilized and criminal in the eyes of the international community.”
It demanded that President Goodluck Jonathan establishes “a high powered judicial commission of inquiry to look into this unfortunate incident,” without which “the Federal Government is at risk of being charged to the International Criminal Court for condoning war crimes in a nation that has been traumatised by insurgency, terrorism, and violent crimes.”