Amnesty International has strongly condemned comments made by the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, regarding the recent military airstrike on Jilli market, which reportedly left over 100 people dead.
In a statement, the organisation rejected the governor’s claim that the market had been closed five years ago, arguing that such a position cannot justify what it described as an unlawful airstrike that killed civilians, including women and children.
Amnesty International described the governor’s response to the incident as “insensitive and irresponsible,” accusing him of failing to adequately reflect the gravity of a tragedy that affected residents in one of the country’s most impoverished regions.
The rights group further stated that the governor’s remarks reflected a lack of understanding of international law and international humanitarian law, insisting that no circumstance could justify the scale of the attack.
According to the organisation, the airstrike constituted a violation of international legal standards governing the protection of civilians during armed conflict. It added that attempts to rationalise the incident “cannot erase the fact that unlawful killings occurred.”
Amnesty International also criticised the timing of the governor’s comments, noting that they were made while families were still mourning their dead. It described the statement as “callous” and indicative of a disregard for the sanctity of human life.
The organisation reiterated its call for accountability and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the airstrike, maintaining that justice for victims remains essential.
