HRW: Nigeria must prosecute over deaths

ABUJA, Nigeria, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Nigerian government has not prosecuted those responsible for 2008 clashes in the country that left more than 130 civilians dead, Human Rights Watch said.

The non-governmental organization said in a news release Thursday that 133 unlawful killings occurred when security forces quelled sectarian violence in the Nigerian city of Jos on Nov. 28-29, 2008.

Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher for Human Rights Watch, said the Nigerian government should investigate the deaths and prosecute those responsible.

"It's high time for the Nigerian government to turn its talk and promises into tangible action," Dufka said. "The Nigerian government owes the families of those killed an explanation about why their loved ones are long buried, while security personnel implicated in the deaths are still walking around free."

In December 2008, Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua created a panel to investigate the Jos clashes. Human Rights Watch said that panel is not scheduled to begin hearings until this December.