A former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has called for an open and independent investigation into the recent airstrike that reportedly claimed the lives of dozens of civilians at Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border.
Report stated earlier that at least 30 people, mainly traders, were feared killed, while about 40 others sustained injuries in the Saturday incident, which occurred at a market situated between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno State and Yobe State.
The airstrike was said to have taken place during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
The development has triggered widespread outrage nationwide, with growing concerns over what observers describe as a recurring trend of accidental strikes, citing past incidents such as the Tudun Biri village bombing and the Zurmi airstrikes.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lawan expressed deep concern over the incident while acknowledging the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating insurgency.
He said, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by reports emanating from Jilli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, where a military airstrike targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents has reportedly led to catastrophic loss of civilian lives.”
He added that eyewitness reports suggested the involvement of multiple aircraft, noting that the strike hit a market, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries, with fears that the casualty figure could increase.
While highlighting the challenges associated with counterinsurgency operations, Lawan maintained that the magnitude of the incident requires an independent probe.
“While I fully appreciate the enormous sacrifices of our armed forces, the reported scale of this tragedy demands that we pause and ask hard questions. The victims deserve answers and justice,” he said.
Lawan also extended his condolences to Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, the state government, and the families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured.
He further urged the Federal Government and military authorities to grant investigators full access, ensure proper medical care for survivors, and compensate affected families, cautioning that the fight against terrorism must not come at the expense of innocent lives.
