Human rights group denounces bombing of Jilli marketplace

Amnesty International has denounced a recent military airstrike that struck a market situated along the border of Borno and Yobe, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. The incident occurred on Saturday at Jilli Market, located between the Gubio and Geidam local government areas of Yobe and Borno states.

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The airstrike was part of a broader military operation aimed at targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the area, and reportedly took place on Saturday. The operation involved a military airstrike that inflicted significant harm on civilians.

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According to witnesses cited by Amnesty International in a statement released on Sunday, the market was bombed by three military jets, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people. This account suggests a substantial loss of life due to the airstrike.

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The emergency unit of Geidam General Hospital received at least 35 individuals with severe injuries following the incident, indicating the scale of the harm inflicted. These casualties underscore the severity of the airstrike's impact on civilians.

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Amnesty International has criticized the use of air power in a civilian setting, questioning the legality of the operation and highlighting the need for accountability. The organization has expressed strong reservations about the military's actions, citing concerns about the protection of civilian lives.

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The organization's statement described the use of air raids as a illegitimate law enforcement method, emphasizing that such actions are unlawful and outrageous. This criticism reflects Amnesty's deep concern about the military's disregard for civilian lives.

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Amnesty International has called for urgent action to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The organization is advocating for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

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The Nigerian authorities are being urged to take immediate action to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, according to Amnesty International. This call to action emphasizes the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation.