Amnesty International has condemned Nigerian Airforce strike, which occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Yobe and Borno states, during which scores of civilians were reportedly killed and many injured.
The airstrike was said to have taken place during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area.
In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty International said witnesses reported that three military jets bombed the market, killing over 100 people.
Amnesty added that the emergency unit of Geidam General Hospital had received no fewer than 35 people with severe injuries following the incident.
The group criticised the use of air power in a civilian setting and questioned the legality of the operation.
READ ALSO: CAPPA demands urgent govt action over Abereke Ocean surge, oil spill
“Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard,” the statement read.
“Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s disregard for civilian lives.”
The organisation called on authorities to take urgent steps to establish accountability and prevent a recurrence.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the incident and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account,” it said.
