RELIGION

Call to investigate Nigerian military killings of Shiites

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this photo taken Friday, April 8, 2016, two boys ride a bicycle past a sign reading "Stop killing Muslims Army" on the walls in Kano, Nigeria. Nigeria's Kaduna state government has said it secretly buried hundreds of minority Shiite Muslims in a mass grave, after the victims were killed in army raids that underline ongoing impunity despite President Muhammadu Buhari's promises to end military abuses. Amnesty International is calling for an investigation following what it called "horrific revelations of the slaughter and secret burial."(AP Photo/Sunday Alamba) (The Associated Press)

FILE- In this Friday April 1, 2016 file photo, Nigerian Shiite Muslims take to the street to protest and demanded the release of Shiite leader Ibraheem Zakzaky in Cikatsere, Nigeria. Nigeria's Kaduna state government has said it secretly buried hundreds of minority Shiite Muslims in a mass grave, after the victims were killed in army raids that underline ongoing impunity despite President Muhammadu Buhari's promises to end military abuses. Amnesty International is calling for an investigation following what it called "horrific revelations of the slaughter and secret burial." (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, file) (The Associated Press)

Amnesty International is calling for an investigation of military killings of Nigeria's minority Shiite Muslims following revelations of hundreds buried in a mass grave.

Kaduna state government secretary Balarabe Lawal told a commission of inquiry this week that dozens of soldiers and state officials transported 347 bodies from a mortuary and an army base to a remote site where they were buried after the Dec. 12-14 military raids on Shiite compounds in northern Zaria town.

The Shiites say those killed number closer to 1,000.

The military said it ordered the raids after Shiites allegedly attempted to assassinate Nigeria's army chief.

London-based Amnesty said those responsible for the "atrocity" must face justice. It said scores of Shiites remain in unlawful detention including leader Ibraheem Zakzaky.