The United Nations rights chief demanded independent investigations Wednesday after separate Nigerian and Chadian airstrikes reportedly killed dozens of civilians in northern Nigeria.
Smoke and grief drifted across remote communities as survivors described one of the conflict’s deadliest days in recent months.
Sources across Nigeria told AFP that around 100 civilians were killed Sunday during violence involving Nigerian military operations and armed bandit groups.
Volker Turk said he was shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes struck a crowded market in Zamfara state.
Amnesty International said at least 100 civilians died in the market strike, while a nearby resident estimated 117 fatalities.
The Nigerian military said it targeted a “confirmed terrorist structure” occupied exclusively by armed non-state fighters threatening civilian lives.
Military officials rejected reported civilian death figures as unverified and said no credible evidence had yet confirmed civilian casualties.
Authorities added that any confirmed civilian harm would be communicated publicly following official assessments or independent verification procedures.
Turk also expressed alarm over reports that Chadian fighter jets struck Boko Haram camps on remote islands near regional border marshlands.
The strikes reportedly killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen working in territories controlled by Boko Haram, where civilians are forced to pay taxes.
Video footage reviewed by AFP showed severely burned fishermen receiving treatment at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.
Turk urged Nigerian and Chadian authorities to launch prompt, impartial, and independent investigations into the deadly incidents.
He called on both militaries to protect civilians and ensure operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province follow international law.
“Civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack,” Turk said.