The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned the rising civilian deaths linked to military airstrikes in Nigeria, describing the incidents as “shocking” and calling for urgent independent investigations.
In a statement delivered in Geneva on Wednesday, May 13, TĂĽrk expressed outrage over reports that Nigerian military airstrikes allegedly hit a market in Zamfara State on May 10, killing at least 100 civilians and injuring many others.
The UN rights chief also raised concerns over separate reports that dozens of fishermen were killed during Chadian military airstrikes carried out in northwestern Nigeria.
“I am shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in the northeastern Zamfara state killed at least 100 civilians on 10 May and injured many more,” Türk said.
“I am also alarmed and saddened by reports that dozens of fishermen were killed in recent Chadian military airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria.”
The statement comes amid growing international concern over recurring civilian casualties during military operations targeting armed groups and terrorists operating across northern Nigeria.
Türk urged both Nigerian and Chadian authorities to immediately launch “prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations” into the incidents and ensure accountability where violations are established.
“It is crucial that both Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into these disturbing incidents and ensure that those responsible for any violations are held to account, in accordance with international standards,” he stated.
The UN official also warned both militaries to strictly comply with international humanitarian and human rights laws during counterterrorism operations.
“I urgently call on both militaries to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians,” Türk added.
“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. Civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack.”
The development follows repeated allegations of civilian deaths caused by military bombardments in different parts of Nigeria.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Amnesty International recently demanded an investigation into alleged civilian casualties following military airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the Amnesty International, residents alleged that civilians, including children, were killed after aerial bombardments targeted communities near Kusasu and other villages during military operations against bandits.
The Nigerian military, however, denied deliberately targeting civilians and insisted that the operations were based on credible intelligence about the movement of armed bandits planning attacks on communities and security facilities.
The Defence Headquarters had maintained that local residents had reportedly relocated from the affected areas before the strikes and described the operation as “precise” and successful against criminal elements.
Despite repeated assurances by Nigerian military authorities that precautions are taken during aerial operations, human rights organisations have continued to raise concerns over increasing reports of mistaken bombings and civilian casualties.
The latest intervention by the UN Human Rights Chief is expected to intensify pressure on Nigerian authorities to review operational procedures governing military air operations and ensure greater protection for civilians in conflict-affected communities.
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