Zamfara: CSOs demand justice for victims of military airstrike
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities under the auspices of Nigeria Mourns, has called for accountability and justice following the tragic Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to a statement jointly signed by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the January 11, 2025, incident claimed the lives of at least 20 innocent civilians and destroyed a significant portion of the community.
In a press statement, the organization condemned the airstrike as an avoidable and devastating tragedy.
It described the event as a grim reminder of the recurring pattern of military negligence, pointing to a similar airstrike less than three weeks earlier in Sokoto State, which left at least 10 civilians dead.
The Tungar Kara attack is the latest in a series of military airstrikes mistakenly targeting civilians.
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Since February 2014, over 473 civilians have been killed in 22 such incidents, with many more injured. These airstrikes have predominantly occurred in indigenous communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, raising questions about the military’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives.
The Coalition expressed concern over the military’s repeated characterization of these incidents as “collateral damage” in its counterterrorism efforts. The group argued that such a narrative perpetuates a culture of impunity and indifference, which undermines public trust in the armed forces.
The statement highlighted the military’s consistent failure to implement meaningful reforms or provide adequate compensation for victims and their families. Even in cases where responsibility is admitted, such as the December 2023 airstrike in Kaduna State, there has been no visible effort to prevent future tragedies.
The organization called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the Tungar Kara incident and all other airstrikes involving civilian casualties. It urged the Nigerian Government to ensure transparency by making the findings of these investigations publicly accessible.
Global Rights emphasized the need for operational reforms within the Nigerian military. These include improving intelligence gathering, enhancing targeting precision, and retraining bomber pilots to minimize civilian casualties during military operations.
The group also demanded justice for affected communities. It urged the National Human Rights Commission to take an active role in ensuring equitable compensation and rehabilitation for victims and their families.
“This tragic pattern must end,” the statement read. “The right to life is non-negotiable, and the government must demonstrate its commitment to protecting all citizens.”
The Coalition also criticized the military’s lack of a concrete plan to prevent future incidents. The recurring nature of these airstrikes, the group said, underscores the urgency of addressing systemic flaws in the military’s operations.
The organization expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, urging the government to prioritize human rights and accountability in its counterterrorism strategy. It stressed that an effective approach requires rebuilding trust between security agencies and the public.
The statement further called for enhanced safety protocols, better aviation equipment standards, and proportionality in the use of force. It noted that such measures are critical for preventing further tragedies and restoring public confidence in the military.
The CSOs reiterated that counterterrorism efforts must not come at the expense of innocent lives. It warned that continued negligence and impunity could deepen public distrust and fuel resentment against the government.
The group concluded by urging the Nigerian Government to act decisively in addressing the systemic issues within the military. It stressed that transparency, accountability, and professionalism are essential for fostering a secure and just society.
