The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, said it had constituted a Special Investigative Panel to probe circumstances that led to the bloody clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiite Muslim sect.
The clash, which took place during the weekend, resulted in the instant death of seven persons, with 10 others seriously injured.
A statement by the commission, yesterday, said the panel was set up by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, following a petition lodged against the Muslim sect by the Nigerian Army and “some concerned citizens.”
The statement signed on behalf of Prof. Angwe by Mr. Lambert Okpara said: “In setting the panel, Prof. Angwe stressed the need for all the parties in the dispute to sheath their swords and assured that the commission will get to the root of the matter
“The Executive Secretary noted that the country is operating a democracy which demands that institutions must act within the ambit of the law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“In a democracy, the rule of law is supreme and it is important that we continue to remind everyone about the need to respect each others’ right.”
Angwe said the commission will thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to coming up with a report that will not only address the current issues but also assist in preventing future occurrence.
The panel made up of top management staff in legal, investigations and monitoring departments of the NHRC is headed by Mr Tony Ojukwu, Director, Monitoring Department.