Calls for Investigation into Yobe State Airstrike After Civilian Casualties
Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the former Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, has urged for an immediate and independent investigation into the tragic military airstrike that occurred in Yobe State on Saturday, April 11. Reports indicate that the strike resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians.
In a statement released on Monday, Lawan expressed his profound sorrow over the airstrike in Jiri Hutchimiram, within the Geidam Local Government Area. The military aircraft, targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, reportedly struck a bustling local market filled with traders and residents engaged in their daily activities.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that multiple aircraft participated in the operation, deploying bombs that led to widespread devastation in the market. The resulting explosions left more than 100 people dead, while dozens more are believed to have suffered injuries of varying severity.
Medical personnel at Geidam General Hospital confirmed that at least 35 individuals were hospitalized with serious injuries. They cautioned that the death toll might continue to rise, as many victims are facing life-threatening conditions.
In response to this event, Lawan acknowledged the military’s ongoing efforts to combat insurgency but stressed that the high civilian casualty count deserves serious scrutiny. He noted, “While we fully recognize the immense sacrifices made by our troops and the complexities of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in conflict zones, this tragic incident raises essential questions that must be addressed.”
Lawan emphasized that the victims, primarily innocent civilians out shopping, are entitled to justice and that their families deserve clarity regarding the circumstances of the attack. He called on federal government and military authorities to commit to full transparency by facilitating a thorough independent investigation.
Additionally, he urged the government to prioritize the welfare of survivors, ensuring they receive prompt medical treatment and that adequate compensation is provided to the families of those who perished. Lawan extended his condolences to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, the state government, and the residents of the Geidam Local Government Area for this tragic loss.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this catastrophe, and I wish a swift recovery to the injured,” he stated. He warned that Nigeria’s battle against terrorism must not come at the cost of innocent lives and urged security agencies to implement more accurate, intelligence-driven tactics in their operations.
This devastating incident is likely to revive discussions on the necessity for stricter security protocols designed to prevent collateral damage during military operations in civilian-populated areas. A more balanced approach is essential in the ongoing fight against insurgency while safeguarding the lives of innocent people.
