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Nigeria’s human rights body demands accountability over recurrent civilian casualties from military airstrikes
The National Human Rights Commission has expressed deep concern over the recurrent incidents of military airstrikes reportedly resulting in significant civilian casualties across different parts of the country, describing the development as troubling and incompatible with established human rights and humanitarian law standards.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, who stated this in a statement on Wednesday, said while the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other forms of insecurity remains a legitimate responsibility of the Nigerian State, such operations must at all times be conducted in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, international human rights obligations, and international humanitarian law principles.
According to the statement which was signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Ojukwu said repeated reports of civilian deaths and injuries, including women, children, and other vulnerable persons, arising from aerial bombardments raise serious concerns regarding the protection of the right to life, human dignity, and the obligation of State actors to exercise precaution and proportionality during security operations.
The Commission therefore calls on the Nigerian Air Force to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding these incidents and the measures being taken to prevent further loss of innocent civilian lives.
“Nigerians deserve to know why this has become a recurring decimal, in April and May alone we have recorded the following casualties, in April Jilli market Yobe, in May Shiroro market Niger, again in May Tumfa market in Zamfara, for how long will this continue?” The Chief Human Rights Officer asked.
The NHRC Cheif emphasized that the principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality, and accountability are fundamental obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and must guide all military engagements, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that civilian lives must never be treated as collateral damage and urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational safeguards, and accountability mechanisms in order to minimize harm to non-combatants during military operations.
He further called for prompt, transparent, and independent investigations into all reported incidents of civilian casualties resulting from airstrikes, with a view to ensuring accountability, justice for victims, and adequate remedies, including compensation and psychosocial support for affected families and communities.
The NHRC reiterated that national security objectives and human rights protection are not mutually exclusive, stressing that sustainable peace and public trust can only be achieved where security operations are carried out within the bounds of legality, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Ojukwu reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitor the situation closely and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all persons in Nigeria.
News
Generator fumes suspected for death of UNN students
Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.
The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.
According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.
He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.
He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.
News
Speed Darlington begs Burna Boy to drop case
Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.
Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.
The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.
He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.
Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.
News
Why I left Peter Obi- Yinusa Tanko
Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.
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