By SCM Reporter
LAGOS, Nigeria – The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over reports of an accidental airstrike at Jilli Market, located in the border region between Borno and Yobe States.
The incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of several innocent civilians, has once again brought the nation’s military operational precision into the spotlight.
In a statement released on Monday, the former Anambra State Governor extended his sympathies to the victims’ families and the governments of the affected states. While describing the event as a “painful tragedy,” Obi noted that he would refrain from making “hasty conclusions” until a full investigation reveals the exact casualty figures and the circumstances surrounding the strike.
”I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of the affected states in this painful tragedy. May God grant eternal rest to the departed and comfort to all who are grieving,” Obi stated.
Obi attributed the recurrence of such “friendly fire” incidents to systemic issues within the Nigerian military. He highlighted that these tragedies are often symptoms of:
Operational constraints and coordination challenges.
Technological limitations and the use of aging platforms.
Inadequate training intervals for personnel.
He emphasized that to prevent future occurrences, the Federal Government must prioritize the procurement of modern fighter jets and the continuous retraining of military personnel.
Addressing the Presidency directly, Obi urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “rise fully” to the challenges of national security. He called for a total overhaul and strengthened coordination of the nation’s security architecture.
”At this critical time, decisive leadership, strengthened coordination of security architecture, and sustained investment in modern defence capacity are required to address the worsening insecurity and prevent further loss of innocent lives,” he added.
Despite the criticism of the system, Obi maintained a stance of solidarity with the troops, acknowledging the risks they take daily while insisting they must be properly equipped to avoid “avoidable tragedies.”
The Jilli Market incident adds to a growing list of “accidental” military strikes involving civilians in Northern Nigeria.
