Amnesty International: Victims of Reckless Air Strike Still Awaiting Justice a Year After
Abuja, Nigeria – It has been a year since a devastating air strike in Rukubi, Doma area of Nasarawa State claimed the lives of 40 people. Yet, justice remains elusive for the victims and their grieving families. Amnesty International (AI) has criticized the Nigerian Government for its failure to ensure accountability and justice for the tragic incident.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed his concern over the prolonged wait for justice, emphasizing that justice delayed is justice denied. The use of air strikes for law enforcement, according to AI, is both unlawful and a reckless use of deadly force.
The continuous failure of the authorities to hold the military accountable for their disregard of human lives only serves to encourage further such strikes, putting people living in rural conflict-ridden areas at even greater risk, as stated by AI.
Air strikes resulting in high numbers of unlawful killings have become another grim addition to the long list of gross human rights violations committed by the Nigerian military, as highlighted in the statement. Urgent action is needed, and the Nigerian authorities must issue clear directives to the military to prioritize and respect human rights in all security operations.
AI implored President Bola Tinubu’s administration to launch an independent, impartial, and effective investigation into the Rukubi air strike, as well as other instances that have led to unlawful killings. Those responsible, whether individual soldiers or senior military commanders, should be brought to justice following fair trials.
This incident is not an isolated one. Air strikes have been a component of military operations in conflict-affected parts of Nigeria for nearly a decade, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. The most recent strike occurred in Tudun Biri on December 3, 2023, claiming the lives of over 120 individuals. Similarly, the Nigerian Air Force’s strike in Mutumji village, Zamfara State, took the lives of 64 people.
Following these air strikes, the Nigerian authorities have taken responsibility and issued public apologies. However, AI insists that apologies alone are insufficient, and concrete actions must be taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government must prioritize the protection of human rights and justice for the victims of air strikes. Accountability is crucial, and those responsible must face the consequences of their actions. The call for an independent investigation and fair trials is a step toward ensuring justice for the victims and their families. It is imperative that the Nigerian authorities take immediate, decisive action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
