Probe ‘Accidental Air Strike’ in Yobe – Amnesty Tells FG

Amnesty International has called on  the federal government to investigate a military air strike that led to the death of nine innocent people in Yobe state.

A Nigerian Air Force jet which was said to be targeting the Islamic State in West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists, had accidentally hit Buwari and other communities in Yunusari LGA of the state.

in a statement on Friday, Isa Sanusi, media manager of Amnesty International in Nigeria, called on the federal government to also look into the incident where a military helicopter allegedly opened fire on a cargo boat conveying foodstuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers state.

According to Sanusi, Osai Ojigho, Amnesty International director in Nigeria, said: “Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the recent military air strike that killed at least 9 people and injured 20 people on 15 September, when Nigerian Air Force fighter jets targeted several villages in Yobe state, including Buwari, Bulabulin, Matari, Malari and Kajinjiri,”

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“Similarly, on 26 August, a wooden passenger boat ferrying passengers and their goods from Port Harcourt to Bonny in Rivers state was targeted by a military helicopter, injuring several passengers.

“Amnesty International is calling for full reparations for the relatives of those killed in the strikes, as well as remedy for other victims in previous military air strikes – including compensation, restitution and rehabilitation. Nigerian military must abide by international law in future military operations and protect lives of civilians.

“Anyone suspected of criminal responsibility should be prosecuted in a fair trial. Survivors and families of the victims should be kept informed of the progress of the investigation and be given full reparation.

“Previous incident in the North East of Nigeria and Niger Delta region were met with deafening silence and outright denial by the military while devastated families suffer in silence.” the statement reads.