The United Nations (UN) is urging the Nigerian military to review and update its rules of engagement and standard operating procedures to prevent incidents like the recent attack on innocent people in Kaduna.
Sadly, during the Maulud festival in Kaduna, many innocent lives were lost when individuals, mistaken for bandits, were targeted.
Seif Magango, the UN Human Rights Public Information Officer, acknowledged the military’s view that the incident was an accident.
Still, he emphasized the importance of implementing measures that comply with international law to protect civilians and their property during military operations.
Magango expressed concern about what he perceived as a “pattern of activities” by the Nigerian military.
He questioned why the strike in Kaduna was wrongly analyzed and whether it followed international law.
He pointed to similar incidents in Nasarawa in January 2023 and Zamfara in 2022, underscoring the need to address these issues promptly.
In September of the year 2021, there were notable occurrences in the state of Yobe where civilians experienced casualties resulting from air strikes.
Similarly, in the month of January in 2017, the region of Borno witnessed instances of civilians suffering harm due to similar air strike incidents.
In response to these events, Magango advocated for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation to be conducted by the federal government.
The objective of such an investigation would be to scrutinize and address the alleged violations of both international human rights and humanitarian law in the affected areas.
He stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident at Tundun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
There is currently a prevailing atmosphere of tension and unease throughout the country following the tragic incident in Kaduna where more than 180 civilians lost their lives at the hands of the Nigerian Army.
The occurrence has not only sparked widespread concern but has also generated a sense of apprehension among the populace.
The incident, characterized by the loss of a significant number of innocent lives, has sent shockwaves across the nation.
The situation in Kaduna has become a focal point of public discourse, prompting discussions on the role and conduct of the Nigerian Army in dealing with civil matters.
As news of the incident continues to unfold, citizens are grappling with a range of emotions, from sorrow and grief for the lives lost, to anxiety and uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The aftermath has also given rise to demands for accountability and transparency in the investigation of the incident.
The impact of such a grave event extends beyond the immediate loss of lives. It has ignited debates about the broader issues of security, human rights, and the delicate balance between maintaining order and preserving the fundamental rights of citizens.
The need for a thorough and impartial investigation is underscored by the desire to uncover the truth and address the concerns of the affected community.
