Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, on Monday received a delegation of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSIA) on a courtesy call in his office at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The visit had to do with the recent incident in Zaria, Kaduna State, in which soldiers allegedly killed several Shiite members and destroyed their headquarters while also taking away their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, who has been handed over to the police for prosecution. The onslaught arose after the Nigerian Army accused the Shiites of attempting to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was in the ancient city on official assignment.

Prof Ishaq O. Oloyede, NSIA Secretary-General and head of the delegation, in his address appreciated the leadership qualities of IGP Arase and the Force Management Team. He thanked the Force for the cooperation extended to the Islamic body.

Prof. Oloyede urged the IGP to look into the immediate and remote causes of the Zaria incident with a view to avoiding such in future. He also appealed for possible medical assistance to those detained in connection with the incident.

In his response, IGP Arase appreciated the delegation’s visit to his office. He emphasised that the police and other security agencies are conscious of Nigerian citizens’ fundamental rights and would protect them. He also assured them of professional investigation of the Zaria incident.

Arase appealed to NSIA to use its reputable and respected platform to caution all groups in the country, that while they have the constitutional rights to express their views, it should not circumscribe the rights of others.

The police boos used the occasion to deny an online report (not News Express) quoting him as saying that to make the access to the Shiite sect members possible, he would have to seek “orders from the above.”

He made it clear that the detainees could be visited by their friends, relatives and lawyers, observing necessary legitimate procedures.

The IGP reassured of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and adherence to the tenet of fundamental human rights.

•Photo shows IGP Arase.