The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned ?the persistent and devastating military airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of innocent Nigerians,? describing them as calamitous and avoidable tragedies. The association has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of military commanders responsible for these operations, asserting that the lack of accountability is perpetuating a culture of impunity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

HURIWA?s statement follows the latest airstrike in Sokoto State on Christmas Day, which reportedly claimed over ten lives in the villages of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, Silame Local Government Area. The airstrike, intended to target Lakurawa terrorists operating near the Surame Forest, instead left a trail of civilian casualties and injuries. This tragedy marks the third major erroneous airstrike in 2024 alone, following similar incidents in Zamfara and Kaduna States earlier in the year.

The association recalled other tragic airstrikes, including the infamous bombing in Maiduguri during former President Muhammadu Buhari?s administration, which killed over 100 civilians. It also cited the April 2024 attack in Zamfara State, where 40 people, including worshippers observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers, were killed, and the September 2024 incident in Kaduna State, where 23 residents lost their lives in an airstrike that hit a mosque and marketplace.

?This is not just incompetence; it is a crime against humanity. The repeated occurrence of such so-called ?accidental? bombings is unacceptable. If this were an isolated incident, one might believe it was a genuine mistake. But when it happens repeatedly, we must question whether these are deliberate acts. Someone must be held accountable,? HURIWA stated.

The association expressed deep concern over the apparent lack of oversight by Nigeria?s political leadership, accusing them of being either compromised or too intimidated to hold the military accountable. ?The military is supposed to be subservient to civilian authority, taking direction from the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. However, it appears that the political class, including the National Assembly, is too scared or compromised to provide proper oversight,? HURIWA observed.

HURIWA criticized the silence of key national leaders, including the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, on the issue. It called on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duty by investigating these incidents and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice. ?The Senate and House of Representatives must wake up to their responsibilities. Their silence in the face of such heinous acts is a betrayal of the Nigerian people. We demand immediate action,? the association declared.

The group also highlighted the double standards in the Nigerian justice system. It noted that while philanthropists organizing food distributions for the poor during the festive season were arrested following stampedes, military personnel responsible for bombing and killing innocent villagers have not faced any repercussions.

?This hypocrisy is appalling. When philanthropists make an honest effort to alleviate the suffering of the poor and unfortunate accidents occur, they are arrested and prosecuted. Yet, military commanders who preside over operations that kill innocent Nigerians are shielded from accountability. This must stop,? HURIWA demanded.

The association urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that those responsible for these tragic incidents are arrested, dismissed, and prosecuted. It insisted that the commanders directly in charge of the Sokoto operation, as well as those behind similar incidents in Kaduna, Zamfara, and Maiduguri, must face justice.

?This is not about punishing the entire military but holding individuals accountable for their actions. If we continue to dismiss these killings as mere accidents without thorough forensic and independent investigations, they will keep happening. We, the citizens of Nigeria, do not accept the narrative of ?accidents.? These are crimes that require answers,? HURIWA stated.

The association further called for the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the repeated airstrikes and recommend reforms to prevent future occurrences. It also demanded greater transparency in military operations, particularly those targeting civilian areas.

?The National Human Rights Commission has been silent, and this silence is deafening. It is as if the commission is non-existent. We call on all relevant institutions to step up and ensure justice for the victims of these airstrikes. Nigerians deserve to know why these tragedies keep happening,? HURIWA said.

In conclusion, HURIWA emphasized that Nigeria cannot continue to operate without accountability and oversight, especially in matters involving the loss of innocent lives. It urged the government to prioritize the protection of civilians and restore public confidence in the military through transparency and justice.

?This is a wake-up call for the entire nation. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the killing of our fellow citizens. Enough is enough. The military must be held to the same standard of accountability as every other institution in this country,? HURIWA concluded.

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