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.
In a Statement on Friday, signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko
National Coordinator, HURIWA, this association 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.