Military Airstrike Kills 10 Civilians in Katsina

A recent Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Zakka village, Katsina State, has led to the tragic deaths of at least ten civilians, including a family of six, during a military operation intended to combat banditry amidst local elections. The attack occurred after security forces engaged in a gunfight with bandits aiming to disrupt the elections, prompting a military response that mistakenly targeted innocent civilians. Amnesty International has condemned the airstrike and called for an impartial investigation, highlighting a disturbing pattern of military operations resulting in significant civilian casualties. Previous incidents, such as a deadly airstrike in December 2023 that killed over 80 civilians, have raised serious concerns about the military’s adherence to international humanitarian law. Advocacy groups are demanding reforms to improve operational accuracy and protect civilian lives during military interventions. The Nigerian military has not yet responded to the allegations or the ongoing calls for accountability.