The United States government has said there is no
magic formula to ending the Boko Haram insurgency.
It urged the Federal Government to adopt a
multi-faceted approach to combating the sect’s violent attacks on Nigerians.
The US Assistant Secretary of State for
Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Michael Posner, said this during a press
conference in Lagos on Friday.
Posner expressed the US government’s concern
about human rights abuses and violations by security agents in an attempt to
end the sect’s violence.
He said excessive use of force might be fuelling
support for the sect.
According to him, numerous reports of mass
arrests, extra-judicial killings, torture and prolonged detention without due
process were of serious concern to the US.
He said, “The United States is concerned about
the worsening security situation in the northern part of Nigeria. But, there is
actually no magic formula for solving the violent extremism posed by Boko
Haram.
“What the country needs to do is to adopt a
multi-faceted response in combating it. Such a response will involve the
disciplined use of force in which security forces abide by the clear rules of
engagement.
“Also, strategies need to be geared towards
providing increased economic opportunity, enhanced social programme and more
meaningful political engagement for local communities most affected by the Boko
Haram violence.”
While advocating the prosecution of members of
the sect as well as those who support and protect them, Posner urged security
agents to always distinguish criminal insurgents from sympathisers and innocent
bystanders while carrying out their operations.
He pledged his country’s resolve to help Nigeria
build a professional security force capable of protecting the citizens and
respecting basic human rights.
“Nigeria is a very important partner to the US
and we are committed to working with the Nigerian government to help build a
stable and prosperous democracy,” he added.
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