UN Demands Nigeria, Chad Airstrike Probes

The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, has demanded independent investigations into reports of separate air attacks by Nigerian and Chadian forces in northern Nigeria that allegedly killed over 100 civilians. On May 10, Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in Zamfara state reportedly killed at least 100 civilians. Additionally, Chadian jets attacking Boko Haram camps on remote islands since Friday are reported to have caused high civilian casualties, including Nigerian fishermen. Amnesty International corroborated reports of significant civilian deaths. The Nigerian military, however, has denied these claims, stating there is no evidence of civilian casualties and that strikes were conducted under international humanitarian law against confirmed terrorist targets. Volker Türk emphasized the importance of prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigations by both Nigerian and Chadian authorities, urging compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.