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Britain supports probe panel on Shiites/soldiers clash

By Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief
11 February 2016   |   3:10 am
THE British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Baroness Joyce Anelay, yesterday supported the setting up of a judicial commission to probe the clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites). Anelay, who was in Kaduna State, said Britain will continue to assist Nigeria to ensure that terrorism and…

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THE British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Baroness Joyce Anelay, yesterday supported the setting up of a judicial commission to probe the clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites).

Anelay, who was in Kaduna State, said Britain will continue to assist Nigeria to ensure that terrorism and Boko Haram insurgency were completely defeated.

Baroness Anelay, who said she was in Nigeria to highlight the importance of protecting civilians in the fight against Boko Haram, also noted that setting up an independent inquiry is necessary in resolving conflicts, such as the clash between soldiers and Shiites in Zaria.

She said: “I think the right thing has been done by the government, that is to set up an independent inquiry. Clearly, it is up to them to look at the evidence to see what happened in Zaria and clearly whatever happened, it is important that there should be recommendations about what happens next.

“If people are found guilty they should be held to account, but I am welcoming the fact that there is an inquiry wherever these incidents happen. It is important to have these kinds of processes to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The minister remarked further that her country has made a commitment to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to ensure peaceful and prosperous future for Nigeria.

According to Baroness Anelay, British forces are currently working with the Nigerian Army on how to avert civilian casualties in the war against insurgency, stressing that it is important not just to win the war, but win the peace as well.

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