Accidental Bombing In Sokoto State Must Be Investigated – Amnesty International

International rights organisation, Amnesty International has come out to accuse the military of trying to cover-up the killing of citizens in Sokoto communities.

The Country Director, Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi recently had his say while speaking to the press and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the military should submit details and records relating to the air strike to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation for an independent investigation because it was a clear disregard for the lives of the victims.

He added that air strikes with deadly consequences for civilians are becoming routine in this part of the world.

His words, “Amnesty International condemns what appears to be the desperate attempt by the Nigerian military to cover up the horrific Christmas day air strikes that killed at least 10 people and injured dozens at two communities of Silame LGA of Sokoto State.

The Nigerian military must hand over all details and records relating to the air strike to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to pave way for an independent, impartial and resourceful investigation that can lead to justice for the victims, survivors and their families. As a result of the air strike homes and barns were razed depriving the villagers of both shelter and food.

In a bizarre disregard for the lives of the victims and pains of the survivors, the military initially insinuated that, the air strike was carried out because the villagers might be habouring Lakurawa insurgents. This was followed by another insinuation that it was bombs planted by Lakurawa insurgents that killed the villagers. This is unacceptable and shows utter disregard for the lives of the villagers killed — mostly while asleep.

Air strikes with deadly consequences for civilians are becoming routine and further devastating the lives of rural dwellers who have been living constantly bracing themselves up for the next attack.

The Nigerian authorities’ persistent failure to hold the military to account is encouraging impunity and increasingly endangering the lives of the civilians the military is supposed to be protecting. The result is that the military is routinely carrying out air strikes that end up killing civilians.”

WOW.