Femi Falana, SAN, a human rights lawyer, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to compensate victims of military airstrikes within the last seven years. He warned that if the government fails to meet this demand, legal action will be taken against them in a Federal High Court.
Reports from NewsNow have revealed that in the past few years, over 300 civilians, including children and women, have lost their lives in accidental bombings by the Nigerian military.
Last week, there was an erroneous drone bombing in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leading to national outcry. At least 120 innocent residents, who were celebrating an Islamic festival, lost their lives in the deadly attack.
In response to this tragic incident, all 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria donated their December salaries to the victims of the bombing. The announcement was made by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, during a visit to the Kaduna State Government House.
Reacting to the incident, Falana, who chairs the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), emphasized the lack of justice for victims of these bombings throughout the years.
Falana also raised concerns about the government’s failure to publish the report or implement the recommendations of the commission set up after the Rann bombing of January 2017. The commission, headed by Justice Biobell Georgewill of the court of appeal, was mandated to review the rules of engagement in the armed forces of Nigeria and ensure compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.