Authorities Must Prioritize Compensation Process and Military Accountability
- By: Anietie Ewang | Researcher, Africa Division
- Photo: Nigerian Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, center, with other community leaders at the grave side where victims of an army drone attack were buried in Tudun Biri village, Nigeria, December 5, 2023. © 2023 AP Photo Kehinde Gbenga
Following the tragic airstrike in Tundun Biri, Kaduna State, where 85 individuals lost their lives during a religious gathering, the state government has taken steps towards compensating the victims and initiating community development projects. While these efforts are commendable, they fall short of providing adequate justice for the victims, especially those who sustained life-altering injuries.
Although the compensation and project implementation may offer some relief, they do not fully address the need for accountability and reform within the military. Regrettably, accidental airstrikes have persisted, with recent incidents in Zamfara and Kaduna States resulting in further casualties. Since 2014, numerous civilians have been killed in airstrikes intended for criminal or extremist targets.
Justice for the victims entails more than financial reparations decided by government authorities. It requires a transparent and consistent compensation process that involves meaningful engagement with the affected individuals, acknowledging the extent of their losses and trauma, and providing fair restitution.
While the military has announced the court-martial of two personnel involved in the Tundun Biri airstrike, details of the investigation and progress remain scarce. The lack of transparency and accountability in addressing such incidents raises doubts about the authorities’ commitment to upholding justice and oversight.
Without a comprehensive and transparent mechanism for compensating victims and preventing future erroneous airstrikes, the current efforts by the authorities may not be sufficient to rebuild public confidence or prevent further tragedies. It is imperative for the government to prioritize establishing clear guidelines for compensation and implementing reforms within the military to prevent similar incidents in the future.
