Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into a military airstrike in Jilli Futchimiram, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, “where more than 100 civilians were reported to have been killed.”

In a statement, Lawan said he was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by reports that the airstrike, allegedly targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, hit a local market, resulting in heavy civilian casualties.

According to eyewitness accounts cited in the statement, multiple military jets participated in the operation, with bombs reportedly dropped on a crowded marketplace. The incident, he noted, left scores dead and many others injured.

Medical sources at Geidam General Hospital were said to have confirmed receiving at least 35 severely injured victims, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insurgency, Lawan stressed that the scale of the tragedy necessitates a thorough review.

“Without prejudice to the integrity of our military, I believe the victims—largely innocent civilians going about their daily livelihoods—deserve a full, transparent and independent inquiry. Their families deserve answers and justice,” he said.

He urged the federal government and military high command to grant investigators unhindered access to the affected area, ensure prompt medical care for survivors, and provide adequate compensation to the families of victims.

Lawan also extended condolences to Governor Mai Mala Buni, the Yobe State Government, and the people of Geidam Local Government Area over the tragic incident.

“My prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he added.

The former Senate President cautioned against allowing the fight against terrorism to erode respect for human life, stressing that civilian protection must remain paramount even in the most complex security operations.

“We must never allow the fight against terror to desensitise us to the sanctity of innocent life,” he said. (The Nation)