AI seeks investigation of military air strikes in Yobe and Rivers
Amnesty International (AI) has called 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.
The international human rights group also asked the Nigerian government to investigate a similar incident on 26 August where 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.
“Nigerian government must immediately conduct a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the horrific incidents in Yobe and River state,” said Osai Ojigho Director Amnesty International Nigeria.
“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,” said Osai Ojigho.
The group said anyone suspected of criminal responsibility should be prosecuted in a fair trial. It said survivors and families of the victims should be kept informed of the progress of the investigation and be given full reparation.
It added that 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, adding that this must not happen again.
