Zamfara air strikes: Amnesty Int’l demands urgent probe
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Concerned about the bombings of innocent citizens in parts of the Northwest zone, the Amnesty International (AI), has tasked the Nigerian authorities to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into a deadly air strike that occurred on Saturday evening, killing at least 20 people in Tungar Kara village, in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was as it described the use of such indiscriminate force as unlawful, outrageous, and indicative of a shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.
The international rights organisation, noted that dozens of others were critically injured and are currently without access to adequate medical care.
It stressed that this impunity is not only undermining public trust in the military but, putting civilian lives at significant risk.
AI in a strongly worded statement, condemned in very strong terms the air strike, stressing that “launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard.”
The rights organisation expressed serious concern over what it noted as a growing trend of the Nigerian military employing deadly force in situations that require careful law enforcement measures.
It also highlighted that this incident comes just weeks after another air strike on Christmas Day, which targeted two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In the words of Amnesty International; “This pattern of reckless military tactics, shows a troubling disregard for civilian safety and an increasing reliance on lethal force in contexts where it is neither appropriate nor justified”.
The organisation warned that the Nigerian authorities’ persistent failure to hold the military accountable for such actions is fostering a culture of impunity.
Amnesty International therefore called on the Nigerian government to ensure that those responsible for the air strikes are brought to justice and to implement measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Saturday’s air strike has once again put the spotlight on the Nigerian military’s approach to security operations, raising critical questions about the rules of engagement and the protection of human rights during military interventions.
