By CECILIA OLOGUNAGBA

The United Nations has urged Nigerian and Chadian authorities to investigate deadly military airstrikes that allegedly killed civilians in northern Nigeria.

United Nations deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, made the appeal on Wednesday at a news conference in New York.

“We join the UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, in expressing alarm and shock over reported civilian deaths in northern Nigeria,” he said.

Reports said Nigerian airstrikes on a market in Zamfara on May 10 allegedly killed at least 100 civilians.

Separately, Chadian military strikes reportedly killed dozens of fishermen in northwestern Nigeria, raising further humanitarian concerns.

Haq said both governments must conduct prompt, independent and impartial investigations into the incidents.

“Those responsible for any violations must be held to account.

“Both militaries must take all feasible precautions to protect civilians,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters rejected reports of civilian casualties following a recent joint operation in Zamfara.

Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja said troops targeted terrorist leaders at Tumfa village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

“The casualty figures circulating remain speculative, unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments,” he said.

Onoja said the Armed Forces remained committed to accountability, professionalism and civilian protection during operations. (NAN)