The somber toll of a military airstrike in Nigeria’s northeastern region has climbed to at least 56 lives lost, with 14 others injured, as a result of a devastating attack on a bustling market in Jilli village. The United Nations has reported these figures, and local residents and rights groups are voicing concerns that many of the victims are innocent civilians.
The airstrike, which occurred on April 11, was aimed at what the Nigerian military characterized as a jihadist enclave linked to Boko Haram. However, eyewitness accounts and statements from Amnesty International suggest that traders and residents were inadvertently caught in the blast. The discrepancy in casualty figures is stark, with some local sources putting the death toll at over 100.
Among the injured, Health worker Ishaku Bulus recounted treating more than 20 people, several of whom were critically injured and had to be transferred to the hospital for further care. Abubakar Goni, a victim, shared a harrowing account of a jet striking while he was attending to his livestock, resulting in a scene of horror and injury.
The Nigerian military has initiated an investigation into the airstrike, acknowledging that it may have mistakenly targeted a civilian area. This incident is not an isolated one; similar deadly errors have occurred in recent years, fueling concerns over the accuracy of military targeting.
Nigeria has been addressing a jihadist insurgency since 2009, with factions such as Islamic State West Africa Province intensifying their attacks. The escalating violence has garnered international attention, placing authorities under pressure to enhance security measures while also ensuring the protection of civilians.
Source: Africanews
Original author: Dominic Wabwireh
