Amnesty International Nigeria has called for a transparent investigation into the Nigerian military’s air strikes on Maraya and Wabi villages in Maru LGA, Zamfara State, which killed 20 people and wounded dozens more.
According to local residents, the victims of the May air strikes were vigilantes who had gathered to confront bandits attacking their communities. Witnesses recounted scenes of terror as military aircraft bombed the villages, setting homes ablaze and forcing families to flee in panic.
The incident echoes a similar air strike in January that killed 16 community guards in Tungar Kara, Maradun LGA. Amnesty International described these attacks as part of a disturbing pattern of unlawful killings and gross human rights violations by the Nigerian military.
While acknowledging the need to address bandit attacks, Amnesty International stressed that indiscriminate and repeated air strikes on civilian areas are unlawful and unacceptable. The organization urged the government to ensure accountability and uphold international human rights standards.
