The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned rising civilian casualties linked to military airstrikes in Nigeria and called for urgent independent investigations into the incidents.
In a statement issued in Geneva on Wednesday, Türk expressed outrage over reports that Nigerian military airstrikes allegedly struck a market in Zamfara State on May 10, killing at least 100 civilians and injuring several 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.
“I am also alarmed and saddened by reports that dozens of fishermen were killed in recent Chadian military airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing international concern over recurring civilian casualties during military operations targeting armed groups and insurgents operating across northern Nigeria.
Türk urged both Nigerian and Chadian authorities to 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 called on 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.
“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,” Turk said.
The development follows repeated allegations of civilian deaths caused by military bombardments in different parts of Nigeria.
Amnesty International had recently demanded an investigation into alleged civilian casualties following military airstrikes in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the organisation, 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, insisting that the operations were based on credible intelligence concerning armed bandits planning attacks on communities and security facilities.
The Defence Headquarters maintained that residents had reportedly relocated from the affected areas before the strikes and described the operations as precise and successful against criminal elements.
Despite repeated assurances by military authorities that precautions are taken during aerial operations, human rights organisations have continued to express concerns over reports of mistaken bombings and civilian casualties.
Over the years, airstrikes targeting terrorists, bandits and insurgents in states including Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Borno have reportedly resulted in civilian deaths, drawing both local and international criticism.