Quote from Alex bobby on January 14, 2025, 3:35 AM

Civilian Deaths from Airstrikes in Nigeria: Calls for Accountability and Justice

Abuja, Nigeria — Human rights organizations are raising alarm over a troubling pattern of civilian casualties from military airstrikes in Nigeria's northeastern region. Following recent reports that a weekend airstrike targeting armed gangs in Zamfara state resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians, advocacy groups are demanding an impartial investigation into the military’s conduct.

The Incident in Zamfara State

According to local residents of Tungar Kara village, the airstrike, intended to neutralize criminal gangs, ended in tragedy when it killed at least 15 civilians, including members of a local militia. While Nigeria’s air force has confirmed it is investigating the reports, an air force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, maintained that there is currently no verified evidence of civilian casualties. He emphasized that the operation was aimed at armed groups and led to the rescue of several captives.

Despite these assurances, eyewitness testimonies and reports from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, suggest otherwise. Isa Sanusi, a spokesperson for Amnesty International, condemned the incident, stating, “It is unfortunate that the military is repeatedly doing the same thing — striking without proper verification of their target. It has now reached a level that we can no longer call it a mistake. The reason why the military is doing this is because the government could not hold them to account.”

A Growing Pattern of Civilian Casualties

The tragic incident in Zamfara comes on the heels of another airstrike on Christmas Day in nearby Sokoto state, which claimed the lives of 10 civilians. These recurring events have drawn significant criticism from local and international observers. Security analyst Chidi Omeje voiced concerns over the military’s approach, warning that reliance on aerial bombardments in populated areas increases the likelihood of civilian casualties.

“I’m not sure that when you have this type of intensive military operation, you always get it right. That’s why I’m not very comfortable with the use of aerial combat in this manner because I’m not sure we have reached the point where we can be very precise in our attacks,” Omeje said.

Calls for Greater Accountability

In response to the growing outrage, Nigeria’s chief of defense staff, General Christopher Musa, assured the public that an investigation is underway. He reiterated that the military does not intentionally target civilians and pledged transparency in the probe. However, human rights advocates remain skeptical, calling for an independent panel to oversee the investigation.

“The military should be asked to hand over every detail they have,” Isa Sanusi insisted. “A panel should be constituted, including experts in military air operations, so that the exact reason why this is happening should be confirmed and avoided in the future. The families of the victims have also approached us.”

Sanusi’s plea highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice for affected families. Without independent oversight, critics fear that investigations may lack impartiality and fail to address systemic issues in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.

The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Fight Against Armed Groups

Nigeria has long grappled with violence from armed gangs, often referred to as “bandits,” and extremist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The government’s reliance on airstrikes to combat these threats has grown in recent years, but so too have concerns over the unintended consequences of such tactics.

Since 2017, more than 400 civilians have reportedly been killed in military air raids, according to data from SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based research and consultancy firm. The increasing frequency of civilian casualties has sparked debates about the efficacy and ethics of aerial warfare in densely populated areas.

Legal and Humanitarian Implications

The potential involvement of Southern California Edison Company (SCE) in the fires has also sparked legal action. A law firm has filed a complaint against SCE, alleging negligence in not de-energizing overhead wires despite warnings of dangerous conditions. SCE has acknowledged the lawsuit but awaits formal service of the complaint. Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate all possible causes, including utility line failures.

Next Steps: Seeking Justice and Reform

As pressure mounts on the Nigerian government, stakeholders are urging reforms in military operations to prevent future tragedies. Human rights groups have proposed several measures, including better intelligence gathering, stricter adherence to international humanitarian law, and enhanced training for military personnel involved in aerial operations.

For communities in northeastern Nigeria, the stakes are high. Many residents live in constant fear of both armed groups and military airstrikes. The call for justice is not just about accountability for past incidents but about ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Conclusion

The deaths of civilians in Tungar Kara and other affected areas are a stark reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. As investigations proceed, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian government will take meaningful steps toward accountability and reform. For now, human rights organizations, affected families, and concerned citizens continue to demand answers and justice.