The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has called on the Federal Government to investigate an alleged airstrike that reportedly affected a civilian settlement in Jabo community, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following a United States military operation on Christmas Day.
In a statement issued on December 26, signed by YEAC-Nigeria Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, expressed concern that some targets were allegedly missed during the airstrike ordered by former US President Donald Trump on the night of December 25, resulting in bombs reportedly landing within a civilian area in northwest Nigeria.
Although no casualties have been reported in Jabo community, the advocacy group said the incident raises serious concerns about potential human rights violations and the safety of civilian populations.
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The group noted that the airstrike, described as the maiden US military operation of its kind in the area, was reportedly carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities and aimed at targeting ISIS militants operating in northwest Nigeria. However, reports of bombs landing in civilian settlements have now cast doubt on the precision of the operation.
YEAC-Nigeria urged the United States to strengthen collaboration with Nigerian security agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering, to ensure more accurate targeting of terrorist hideouts in future operations.
The advocacy centre also called on Nigerian authorities to urgently investigate the impact of the airstrike on the affected civilian community, conduct a comprehensive assessment of its effects on residents, including possible health implications, and ensure adequate compensation for those affected. This, it said, should include the repair or replacement of any damaged civilian infrastructure and properties.
