The UN human rights office said it deplored the accidental attack in Kaduna State, noting that it was the latest of at least four airstrikes that have resulted in significant civilian fatalities since 2017.
On Wednesday, the United Nations deplored an airstrike on a village in northern Nigeria, expressing sorrow over the loss of several dozen civilians resulting from a misinterpretation of activities at the scene.
On Sunday, a Nigerian army drone, intended for armed groups, tragically killed a minimum of 85 civilians by mistake in northwest Kaduna State, triggering public outcry over one of the most fatal military bombing accidents in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deeming the incident “disturbing,” issued an order on Tuesday for an investigation following the army’s acknowledgment that one of its drones mistakenly hit the village of Tudun Biri during Muslim festival festivities.
The UN human rights office deplored the attack, underscoring that it constitutes the latest in a series of at least four airstrikes since 2017 that have caused considerable civilian casualties.
‘While we note that the authorities have termed the civilian deaths as accidental, we call on them to take all feasible steps in future to ensure civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected,’ says UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, Seif Magango said in a statement.
‘They must review rules of engagement and standard operating procedures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.’
Northwest Nigeria has been plagued by militia gangs, colloquially termed “bandits,” who operate from well-hidden forest bases. Their persistent threat is characterized by raids on villages, looting, and the abduction of residents for ransom.
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The military stated that, during aerial patrols, troops mistakenly identified a group’s activities as resembling those of bandits, leading to the launch of the drone strike.
‘We are particularly alarmed by reports that the strike was based on the ‘pattern of activities’ of those at the scene which was wrongly analysed and misinterpreted,’ said Magango.
‘There are serious concerns as to whether so-called ‘pattern of life’ strikes sufficiently comply with international law.’
After coming to office in May, Tinubu said tackling insecurity was one of his key concerns as he looks to bring more foreign investment to Africa’s most populous nation.
Nigeria’s armed forces frequently resort to airstrikes in their ongoing battle against bandit militias, particularly in the northwest and northeast regions of the country, where jihadist conflicts have persisted for over a decade.
‘We urge the Nigerian authorities to thoroughly and impartially investigate all alleged violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law, including deaths and injuries from air force strikes, and hold those found responsible to account,’ said Magango.
‘The government should also provide victims of any unlawful strikes and their families with adequate reparations.’