Civilian Casualties Spark Urgent Call for Airstrike Probe in Nigeria

Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission has demanded a comprehensive inquiry into recurring civilian deaths resulting from military airstrikes. The commission highlighted concerns about adherence to humanitarian laws and called for swift action. This follows reports from Amnesty International about a deadly airstrike in Zamfara state that allegedly killed at least 100 civilians.

The Nigerian military, facing ongoing battles against insurgency in the northeast and violent gangs in the northwest, has increased its reliance on air power. While these security measures are necessary, the NHRC stressed that military operations must remain within constitutional and international humanitarian bounds.

Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu questioned the frequency of such incidents, while U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk also requested an independent investigation into the Zamfara incident. Under Nigerian law, the Human Rights Commission can investigate abuses, referring severe cases to the attorney general.

(With inputs from agencies.)