The former Senate president and Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence is deeply saddened and disturbed by report’s of loss of Civilian lives
This is contained in a statement signed by senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan which says reports emanating from Jilli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, where a military airstrike, targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, has led to this tragedy
According to the statement an 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. Medical sources at Geidam General Hospital have confirmed receiving at least 35 severely injured victims, with fears that the casualty count may still rise.
Senator Lawan further said while he 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 victims, largely innocent civilians going about their daily livelihoods at a local market, deserve a full, transparent, and independent inquiry and justice.
He howeve, extend his heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Government, the people of Geidam LGA, the entire Yobe State and particularly the families who have lost loved ones,
“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.”
REL/ Bashir M
