More alarm for the northeast part of Nigeria, as it was reported that a Nigerian Air Force airstrike had caused deaths among civilians who were out shopping in a very crowded market in the area of Borno and Yobe.
The airstrike that took place at the Jilli marketplace has now prompted the Nigerian Air Force to launch an investigation based on multiple reports indicating that heavy civilian casualties occurred as a result of this airstrike.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
Residents and NGO representatives have painted an extremely grim picture of how the incident has impacted the local community.
Amnesty International has published an estimate of 100 civilians killed as a result of the airstrike, but did not provide any specific numbers regarding civilian injuries suffered from the explosion and subsequent stampede caused by the explosion due to the mass panic experienced by all those who were present at the marketplace when the airstrike occurred.
On the other hand, local officials and witnesses to the explosion have provided conflicting reports regarding the number of civilian casualties that occurred as a result of the airstrike. Many witnesses to the airstrike believe the airstrike may have resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people at the marketplace.
The fire from the explosion has caused mass injuries; therefore, the hospitals in Jilli, nearby, or other areas within Yobe state are currently treating injured persons.
Military Investigates Airstrike Incident
The Nigerian Air Force has acknowledged that it conducted an operation in Jilli, confirming that it is investigating to find out exactly what happened.
According to the military’s statement, they used precision airstrikes against a target used by ISWAP militants to move large groups of terrorists – an area they call an “enclave” and “logistics hub” for terrorist operations. They do not provide any mention of civilian casualties. According to the Air Force, “scores of terrorists were neutralized” in their operation.
Eyewitness Accounts
The reports from survivors indicate that confusion and panic spread very quickly as the airstrike hit the crowded market.
Witnesses reported being thrown to the ground by the blast while they were trying to buy livestock when the airstrike occurred.
A vendor in the market described how, upon hearing the blast, people went into immediate panic mode. People were running away or hiding until the impact was completed.
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Growth in Human Rights Woes
This event has rekindled fears about the safety of civilians in the course of military action in northeast Nigeria.
Human rights group Amnesty International has pointed out that there were children among the casualties, raising serious issues regarding the selection procedure and the safety of civilians.
The group claims that they have spoken to some witnesses of the event, including medics and victims.
Pattern of Tragic Errors
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that military air attacks in the area have led to civilian deaths.
In Nigeria’s northeast, similar cases have occurred where bombings meant for rebel fighters have killed civilians in villages, camps for the displaced, and market areas.
Given the ongoing war, involving insurgency groups like ISWAP, it becomes ever harder to perform military operations without causing harm to civilians.
Final Thoughts
As there is already a probe in place regarding the incident, the next logical step is for the Nigerian Air Force to share its findings and maybe even impose some punishment.
The above scenario illustrates the predicament of the Nigerian government in trying to curb extremism while ensuring the safety of civilians.
For many families who lost loved ones, the priority now is restoration and accountability after this latest tragedy.
