Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Nigerian Air Force operation that reportedly killed several civilians following a strike at a busy market located along the Borno-Yobe border.
The incident took place on Saturday evening at Dilli Market in Yobe State, close to Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, an area known for significant cross-border trading activities.
In a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, April 12, Atiku described the incident as “not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience.”
“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience,” Atiku said.
He questioned how long Nigerian citizens would remain unsafe both from terrorists and from military operations meant to protect them.
“While targeting insurgents, innocent Nigerians were once again reduced to collateral damage. How long will citizens remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very operations meant to protect them?”
The former vice president drew a comparison with a recent United States military operation in Iran, where over 150 aircraft were deployed and approximately $300 million was spent to rescue a single pilot.
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“Just a few days ago, the United States deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue just one pilot in Iran, even destroying equipment worth over $100 million each to protect a single life. That is the value they place on one citizen.”
Atiku questioned the value placed on Nigerian lives and called for urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
“Here at home, we must ask: what is the value of Nigerian lives? This demands urgent review, accountability, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.”
He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and affected communities, emphasizing that protecting citizens is the ultimate essence of national security.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and affected communities. Nigeria must uphold its duty to protect its citizen. That is the ultimate essence of National Security.”
The Nigerian Air Force has not yet issued an official statement on the incident at Dilli Market.
The area along the Borno-Yobe border has been a theatre of military operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents for over a decade.
Civilian casualties from military airstrikes have been a recurring concern, with previous incidents prompting calls for improved targeting intelligence and coordination with local communities to minimize collateral damage.