Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent airstrike on Jilli market that killed scores of traders.
Daily Trust had reported how air force jets targeting terrorists opened fire on the traders at the market located within the axis of the border between Yobe and Borno States.
Describing the incident as a tragic failure that should outrage the conscience of every Nigeria, Atiku said the attack, which was aimed at insurgents, once again resulted in innocent civilians being reduced to collateral damage, raising fresh concerns about the safety of citizens amid ongoing military operations.
The presidential hopeful questioned the recurring pattern of civilian casualties in counter-insurgency operations, asking how long Nigerians would continue to remain unsafe both from terrorists and from the very efforts meant to protect them.
Drawing a comparison with international military conduct, Atiku cited a recent operation by the United States military, which he said deployed over 150 aircraft and spent an estimated $300 million to rescue a single pilot, underscoring what he described as the high value placed on one citizen’s life.
“The Jilli market airstrike that killed scores of innocent traders is not just tragic, but a devastating failure that must outrage every conscience. 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? 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.
“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. 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.”