§ 2. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the cause of the riots in the town of Maiduguri. Northern Nigeria, last September; how many people were killed and injured, what other damage was done; and what steps he has taken to punish those responsible, to compensate the victims and their dependants and to remove the cause of the discontent there.
§ Mr. ProfumoThese disturbances arose out of clashes between supporters of opposing political parties. There were six deaths, eighteen people were injured, and two houses were damaged. Fifty-one people have been convicted of rioting 523 and similar offences: no claims to compensation have been lodged. Local feeling is still running high, but the Resident intends at the right moment to convene a Reconciliation Committee to remove the causes of enmity.
§ Mr. HughesWhat steps have Her Majesty's Government taken to support the forces of law and order there, in order to prevent a recurrence of incidents of this kind, which might impair the chances of ultimate self-government?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think the situation is quite as serious as the hon. and learned Gentleman imagines it is. I do not think that it calls for Her Majesty's Government's intervention. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that everything is being done on the spot.