Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has strongly criticised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over a deadly airstrike that killed dozens of civilians at Jilli Market on the Borno-Yobe border and called for a transparent, independent investigation into the incident.
The Saturday airstrike, carried out as part of a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, reportedly struck a busy market between Gubio in Borno State and Geidam in Yobe State. According to reports, at least 30 people, mostly traders lost their lives, while over 40 others sustained injuries. Eyewitnesses described multiple aircraft involved in the attack, with fears that the death toll could rise.
The tragedy has triggered widespread public outrage, with many drawing comparisons to previous incidents like the Tudun Biri village bombing and the Zurmi airstrikes, raising concerns about recurring civilian casualties in anti-insurgency operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, Lawan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives while acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
“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.
Lawan stressed that, despite the challenges of counter-insurgency warfare, the scale of the tragedy demands accountability. “While I fully appreciate the enormous sacrifices of our armed forces, the reported scale of this tragedy demands that we pause and ask hard questions. The victims deserve answers and justice,” he added.
The former Senate President extended condolences to the families of the victims, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, and the state government. He prayed for the souls of the deceased and swift recovery for the injured.
Lawan urged the Federal Government and military authorities to grant full access to investigators, provide immediate medical care for survivors, and ensure adequate compensation for affected families. He warned that the war against terrorism must not come at the expense of innocent civilian lives.
The Nigerian Air Force has since announced its own investigation into the reported civilian casualties.
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