The conflicting reports from residents of Jika da Kolo village and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the recent airstrike in Giwa area of Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, raise critical concerns about transparency and accountability in military operations.
Development Diaries reports that the NAF released a press statement informing the public of its destruction of terrorists’ logistics base at Yadi Forest in Giwa via the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch.
Meanwhile, a report by Daily Trust says otherwise as residents allege that the attack resulted in the death of civilians, including 23 worshippers and others gathered around a mosque.
This incident is also similar to the December 2023 Air Force bomb attack at Tudun Biri in the same Kaduna State, where about 100 people lost their lives.
If the allegations by the residents are true, this constitutes a blatant violation of human rights because international humanitarian law and human rights conventions emphasise the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
Without clarity, this event risks being perceived as a cover-up, deepening tensions and the trust gap between citizens and security forces.
Protecting the people is the first responsibility of any military. The confidence that the public has in its armed services is damaged when the military accidentally injures civilians.
It is more disturbing because this is not the first time military airstrikes have ‘accidentally’ killed civilians in Nigeria.
Unfortunately, there have not been many responses in the past to investigations carried out on these killings and there have been no consequences whatsoever.
The disparity in the narratives between the military and residents points to the need for a thorough, independent investigation to ascertain the facts.
In light of this, Development Diaries calls on the Kaduna State government to establish an independent enquiry into the airstrike to determine the truth and hold accountable any party found to have caused civilian harm.
Furthermore, we call on the Nigerian Air Force to improve its operational guidelines to ensure greater precision in counterterrorism efforts and enhance communication with affected communities.
Photo source: Nigerian Air Force
