UN Demands Independent Investigation Into Nigeria, Chad Airstrike

The United Nations(UN) has called for independent investigations into separate airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian and Chadian militaries that reportedly killed dozens of civilians in northern Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed concern over the growing number of civilian casualties linked to the military operations.

The Nigerian military and armed bandit groups were reported to have caused the deaths of around 100 civilians on Sunday in one of the deadliest days recorded in the ongoing conflict in the region, according to sources quoted by AFP.

Amnesty International also claimed that a Nigerian military airstrike targeting a crowded market in Zamfara State killed “at least 100 civilians.” A resident from a nearby community reportedly placed the death toll at 117.

“I am shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in… Zamfara state killed at least 100 civilians on 10 May and injured many more,” Turk said in a statement.

The UN rights chief further stated that he was “alarmed and saddened” by reports of heavy civilian casualties linked to attacks carried out since Friday by Chadian fighter jets targeting Boko Haram camps located on remote islands around the Lake Chad region shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

According to reports, several Nigerian fishermen working on islands under Boko Haram control were among those killed during the bombardment. Civilians in those areas are reportedly forced to pay taxes to the insurgent group.

Videos seen by AFP reportedly showed injured fishermen receiving treatment for severe burns at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.

“It is crucial that both Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into these disturbing incidents,” Turk said.

He added that authorities in both countries must “ensure that those responsible for any violations are held to account, in accordance with international standards”.

The UN official also urged both militaries to exercise greater caution during operations in conflict areas.

“Their military operations, including against Boko Haram and the so-called ‘Islamic State West Africa Province’ must be conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” he said.

“Civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack.”