UN urges independent probes into deadly Nigeria, Chad air attacks

United Nations human rights chief has demanded independent investigations into reports of air attacks. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement on Wednesday, "I am shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in Zamfara state killed at least 100 civilians on 10 May and injured many more." He also said he was "alarmed and saddened" by the reports of high civilian casualties in attacks since Friday by Chadian jets against Boko Haram camps.

Amnesty International said the Nigerian military and "bandit" gangs killed at least 100 civilians on Sunday. Amnesty cited witnesses and said many of those killed were women and children, and urged authorities to immediately investigate the attack on a crowded market in Tumfa village. Footage verified by the AFP news agency showed several fishermen with severe burns being treated at a hospital in Bosso, Niger. The Nigerian military said on Wednesday that there has been no evidence of civilian casualties in attacks in the northwest Zamfara state this month, calling reports of large death tolls unverified and misleading.

Turk said, "It is crucial that both Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into these disturbing incidents." He added, "Their military operations, including against Boko Haram and the so-called 'Islamic State West Africa Province' must be conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law," and "Civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack."