Geneva, The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed deep concern over the recent airstrike in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 civilians and injured more than 60. This incident is the latest in a series of airstrikes since 2017 that have led to significant civilian casualties.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, spokesperson Seif Magango called for the Nigerian authorities to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with Nigeria’s international law obligations. The office noted that while the Nigerian authorities have described the civilian deaths as accidental, there is a pressing need to review the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The UN Human Rights Office raised specific concerns about the airstrike being based on a misinterpreted “pattern of activities,” questioning the compliance of such “pattern of life” strikes with international law. The office referenced several past incidents where Nigerian air force strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including in Nasarawa, Zamfara, and Yobe States, as well as a particularly devastating strike in Rann village, Borno State, in 2017.

The UN body urged the Nigerian government to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including those resulting from air force strikes. It emphasized the importance of holding those found responsible accountable and providing adequate reparations to victims and their families for any unlawful strikes.

This call by the UN Human Rights Office underscores the urgent need for measures to ensure the safety of civilians in conflict zones and adherence to international legal standards in military operations.