Panel On Army/Shiites Clashes Begins Hearing
The panel set up by the National Human Rights Commission commences hearing on the clash between the Nigerian army and members of the Shiite sect in Zaria, Kaduna state on December 12-13, 2015.
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The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has already arrived to the headquarters of the NHRC in Abuja where he is expected to make presentation.
Some Shiites had gathered near the commission on the Aguiyi Ironsi Road in Maitama, to call for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who is currently held in custody.
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Tony Ojukwu, who is a lawyer and director, will lead the panel.
Other members are Messrs A. A Yakubu, Halilu Adamu, Babangida Labaran and Kabiru Elayo.
While installing the board on December 21, 2015, Bem Angwe, the executive secretary of the commission said the move was required by the petition submitted to the commission by Buratai; his convoy and members of the Shiite sect in Zaria.
While the military claimed that seven members of the movement were killed in order to save the life of the COAS during the incident, there were reports that members of the sect who died was in scores.
Angwe said that the commission’s following interference had since led to the release of about 51 members of the sect from the tunnel.
READ ALSO: Zaria Massacre: Army Allows Shiites Visit Sheikh Zakzaky
The board is expected under its terms of reference read by Angwe on Monday “to find out the immediate and remote causes of the violations”.
The rest of the terms of reference are: “To find out those responsible or culpable for the violations; to recommend remedies if possible for the violations; to find out those who lost their lives and properties destroyed on both sides during the clash; to make recommendations for damages where appropriate and for prevention of future violations; any other directives by the Executive Secretary.”
Source: Legit.ng
