Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has expressed concern over reports of civilian casualties following a military airstrike on a market along the Borno–Yobe border.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, said the incident, which targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents, reportedly resulted in heavy civilian losses.
In a statement issued on Monday, the lawmaker said he was disturbed by reports emerging from Jilli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
“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 said.
According to him, eyewitness accounts indicated that several military aircraft participated in the operation.
Lawan said reports suggested the airstrike hit a busy local market.
“According to eyewitness accounts, multiple military jets took part in the operation, and the strike hit a local market, leaving over 100 people feared dead and dozens more injured,” he said.
He added that medical personnel had confirmed the treatment of several injured victims.
The former Senate President stated, “Medical sources at Geidam General Hospital have confirmed receiving at least 35 severely injured victims, with fears that the casualty count may still rise.”
The senator said the scale of the tragedy required a thorough and independent investigation.
He further stated, “While I fully appreciate the enormous sacrifices of our armed forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, and the difficulty of distinguishing combatants from civilians in complex environments, the reported scale of this tragedy demands that we pause and ask hard questions.
“Without prejudice to the integrity of our military, I believe the victims, largely innocent civilians going about their daily livelihoods at a local market, deserve a full, transparent, and independent inquiry. Their families deserve answers and justice.”
Lawan also extended condolences to the Yobe State Government and families affected by the incident.
He said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Government, the people of Geidam LGA and the entire Yobe State.
“My prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The lawmaker urged the Federal Government and military authorities to facilitate investigations and support affected victims.
Lawan added, “We must never allow the fight against terror to desensitize us to the sanctity of innocent life.
“I urge the Federal Government and military high command to immediately facilitate unhindered access for investigators, ensure medical care for survivors, and provide compensation to the families of victims.”
