The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for independent investigations into separate airstrikes carried out by Nigerian and Chadian military forces that reportedly ed dozens of civilians in northern Nigeria.
According to reports, around 100 civilians were ed on Sunday during clashes involving Nigerian military operations and armed bandit groups in Zamfara State. Amnesty International Nigeria alleged that military airstrikes targeting a crowded market in an area controlled by criminal gangs resulted in the deaths of at least 100 civilians, while local residents claimed the number could be as high as 117.
Reacting to the incident, Volker Turk said he was deeply shocked by reports of civilian casualties caused by the Nigerian military strike and stressed the need for accountability and protection of innocent lives during security operations.
The UN rights chief also expressed concern over separate s carried out by Chadian fighter jets against Boko Haram camps located on remote islands around the Lake Chad region shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.
Reports indicated that the ardments ed several Nigerian fishermen working in areas under Boko Haram control where civilians are reportedly forced to pay taxes to the terrorist group. Footage seen by international media reportedly showed victims with severe burn injuries receiving treatment in Bosso, Niger.
Turk urged both Nigerian and Chadian authorities to conduct prompt, transparent, independent, and impartial investigations into the incidents. He insisted that anyone found responsible for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws must be held accountable.
The UN official further called on both militaries to take all necessary precautions to prevent civilian casualties during operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP.
He emphasised that civilians and civilian structures must never become targets during military operations and warned that all counterterrorism efforts must fully comply with international legal standards.
The incidents have renewed concerns over civilian safety in military campaigns against armed groups operating across northern Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
Leave a comment