UN Demands Investigation into Deadly Airstrikes in Nigeria

The United Nations has urged for an urgent independent investigation into military airstrikes in Zamfara State, Nigeria, that allegedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 civilians. This appeal follows reports of an air raid on May 10, which targeted a market area and has triggered outrage among local residents.

UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that the global body is deeply disturbed by the incident and stressed the importance of protecting civilians during military operations. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk also expressed alarm over the increasing reports of civilian casualties linked to security operations in the region.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, represented by Director of Defence Media Operations Maj Gen Michael Onoja, dismissed claims of civilian deaths during the operations, asserting that the strikes were carefully planned based on intelligence. The military maintains its commitment to protecting innocent civilians during operations, despite ongoing concerns from humanitarian organizations regarding civilian casualties in the conflict-prone areas of northern Nigeria.