- The League of Northern Democrats condemned recent Nigerian Air Force airstrikes, citing negligence and demanding accountability for civilian casualties
- Chief Edwin Clark called for independent investigations into airstrike incidents, emphasizing the need to protect civilians in counter-insurgency operations
The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has condemned recent airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.
In a statement issued Monday, LND spokesperson Dr. Ladan Salihu described the airstrikes as grossly negligent and lacking professionalism. He called for accountability and a reassessment of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency tactics.
“Documented cases of these tragic incidents include the bombing of an internally displaced persons camp in Rann, Borno State, on January 17, 2017, which claimed over 115 lives, including aid workers.
Similarly, bombings in Buhari Village, Yobe State (September 15, 2021), and Tudun Biri, Kaduna State (December 3, 2023), have caused further civilian losses,” Salihu said.
Additional incidents cited included:
- Jika da Kolo, Kaduna State (September 27, 2024): 24 civilians killed in a mosque airstrike.
- Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, Sokoto State (December 25, 2024): 10 civilian casualties.
- Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government, Zamfara State (January 11, 2025): 15 civilians killed.
Salihu emphasized that these repeated incidents could no longer be seen as mere accidents, highlighting failures in operational intelligence and a lack of commitment to civilian protection.
“These so-called mistakes question NAF’s sincerity in the war against terror,” he said, adding that the dual threat of terrorist attacks and military strikes on civilians was unacceptable.
The LND has called for independent investigations into all civilian bombing incidents to uncover the facts behind these tragedies. They also demanded public and transparent court-martials for those responsible and compensation for victims’ families.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and military leaders to take decisive action to restore public confidence in the military’s professionalism and integrity,” Salihu stated.
He warned that failure to address these issues publicly could undermine Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and threaten national peace and stability.