ABUJA– FORMER President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, APC, Yobe North has in very strong terms, condemned a military air strike that reportedly killed more than 100 people at Jalli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State just as he has called for a full, transparent, and independent inquiry into the matter.

According to Lawan, the families of those who lost their lives deserve answers and justice.

Recall that the incident, which occurred around 2:46 p.m. on Saturday at Jilli Market, was said to have taken place during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

A statement on Monday by the former President of the Senate read, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by reports emanating from Jilli Futchimiram in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, where a military airstrike, targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents, has reportedly led to catastrophic loss of civilian lives.

“According to eyewitness accounts, multiple military jets took part in the operation, and the strike hit a local market, leaving over 100 people feared dead and dozens more injured. Medical sources at Geidam General Hospital have confirmed receiving at least 35 severely injured victims, with fears that the casualty count may still rise.

“While I fully appreciate the enormous sacrifices of our armed forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency, and the difficulty of distinguishing combatants from civilians in complex environments, the reported scale of this tragedy demands that we pause and ask hard questions. Without prejudice to the integrity of our military, I believe the victims, largely innocent civilians going about their daily livelihoods at a local market, deserve a full, transparent, and independent inquiry. Their families deserve answers and justice.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, the Yobe State Government, the people of Geidam LGA and the entire Yobe State. My prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amin.

“We must never allow the fight against terror to desensitize us to the sanctity of innocent life. I urge the Federal Government and military high command to immediately facilitate unhindered access for investigators, ensure medical care for survivors, and provide compensation to the families of victims.